MANILA, Philippines – There’s no foolproof direct treatment against dengue yet, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified.

There have been misconceptions that certain herbal plants — such as tawa-tawa and siling labuyo (wild chili) — can cure dengue, a viral infection transmitted to humans via infected mosquitoes.

“Medical science tells us that there are no effective direct treatments versus the dengue virus at this point in time. Death from dengue can be prevented by early consultation and proper case management,” Health Assistant Secretary Albert Francis Domingo told Rappler in a Viber message on Tuesday, August 27.

People infected with dengue usually show symptoms such as high fever, muscle and joint pains, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and rashes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Severe cases would have severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, extreme thirst, and a feeling of weakness.

The DOH has come up with a “4S strategy” to help prevent dengue cases:

• Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites.
• Secure self-protection by wearing light-colored clothing and applying insect repellents when able.
• Seek early consultation if symptoms of dengue appear.
• Spraying and fogging hotspot areas for two consecutive weeks to prevent outbreaks.

“Most cases of dengue fever can be treated at home with pain medicine,” the WHO said, but noted that severe dengue cases may need to be treated at a hospital.

Aside from seeking a medical consultation, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises those with dengue to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and help control fever with paracetamol. – Rappler.com