The kiss of death

It’s the “kiss of death,” but it’s so subtle you wouldn’t even notice it. Well, not until the symptoms start to manifest — sudden high fever, severe headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains. Sometimes these are so mild and caneasilybemistaken for symptoms of flu or another viral infection.

And that’s when serious problems crop up. Having loved ones or a friend who had dengue before is an eye-opener on the disease for me. And it still scares me to death when- ever I think of that horrifying incident when we almost lost a family member to dengue a

few years back.

My nephew Chester Manahan, who just arrived from an out-of-town trip, had no idea “he got bit.” At first, he complained of dizziness and stomachache. So his mom Rowena gave him an anti-dizziness pill. But the symptoms progressed to malaise and fever that turned out to be the deadly dengue fever, which almost snuffed out his young life. Thank goodness for prayers and blood donors, Chester got out of the hospital in no time.

Sadly, his ordeal didn’t end there. When Chester’s teacher found out he had dengue, she advised his mom to let him take a leave of absence because “dengue is a contagious illness.” And so, the rest of the students tried to avoid him.

FYI, dengue fever can’t be directly spread from one person to another. It is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mos- quito infected with a dengue virus. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with dengue virus in his blood.

Dengue doesn’t only afflict the young, even adults can be victims, too. A month ago, friends of popular comedian, singer and TV host Mi- chael V. took to social media to help find blood donors for Bitoy who was confined at St. Luke’s Medical Center due to dengue. In his Instagram account, Bitoy posted: “Dear friends and well wishers, this dengue is persistent. My platelets are now down to 47k and it has made me very weak.” Thank goodness the funny man is now out of harm’s way.

Dengue is no laughing matter indeed. Each year, there are an estimated 100 million dengue cases worldwide. Dengue fever has surged in central Philippines, infecting more than 1,000 people and killing 10 in the prov- ince of Iloilo in July, as reported by Agence France Presse/Philippines.

The latest statistics from DOH show that reported dengue cases have reached 102,192 with 385 fatalities (period of Janu- ary 2013 to August 24, 2013).

The message is clear and simple: Dengue kills! Let us not wait for it to get out of hand and claim more lives.

Mission: Zero Dengue Mosquitoes

Dengue is a disease that can be avoided if one protects oneself from the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. There are many ways to do it let SCJohnson show us how through its “Mission: Zero Dengue Mosquitoes” campaign. Aimed at encouraging families to take the proactive step to ensure their loved ones’ protection against mosquito bites, the campaign addresses the need of Filipino consumers for trusted protection from

dengue mosquitoes. For many years, SC Johnson has been dedicated to combating

dengue mosquitoes through their line of effective and safe products such as Baygon water-based multi-insect killer, Baygon Kidlat Katol and OFF! Lotion.

Gentle even on plants, Baygon water-based multi-insect killer’s powerful formula is especially designed to kill roaches, flies, and mosquitoes that may carry dengue. Leaving no lasting odor, it’s what most moms use to dengue-proof their homes.

Those on a tight budget opt for Baygon Kidlat Katol, which comes in a floral scent. It effectively kills dengue mosquitoes three times faster, compared to ordinary coils. Each coil provides up to eight hours of protection.

Trusted by moms worldwide for over 50 years now, OFF! Lotion with dermcool formula feels cool and light on the skin. It delivers eight-hour protection against dengue mosquitoes so it’s ideal for extended outdoor activities and overnight use. It’s so effective that children are advised to wear it to school daily to prevent mosquito bites.

SC Johnson’s “Mission: Zero Dengue Mosquitoes” campaign will leverage on the Pinoy’s “pakikipagkapwa tao” by using a part of Baygon and OFF! Lotion store sales to donate anti-dengue mosquitoes care packages to com- munities identified with dengue outbreak. So every Baygon and OFF! Lotion you buy not only gives you maximum dengue protection, but helps indigent Filipino families as well.

Mission: Zero Dengue Mosquitoes will also have booths in select Robinsons Malls nationwide during the weekends of Sep- tember and October. Visit the booth and sign the Mission: Zero Dengue Mosquitoes Pledge Wall. For every pledge made on the wall, Baygon and OFF! Lotion will donate an Anti-Dengue Care Pack to communities with high reported cases of dengue.

Dengue-proof your homes

Dengue occurs not only during the rainy season but all throughout the year. The eggs of the Aedes mosquito can remain dormant up to nine months, particularly throughout the dry season. Also, the Aedes prefer clean and stagnant water.

SC Johnson shares the following tips on how to dengue-proof your home year-round: • Keep water vessels clean and covered. Put a lid on giant drums or containers which could catch and collect rain. Remember, mosquitoes love breeding in stagnant water. • Do not keep a tray under air condition-

ers as it can increase the nest of mosquitoes. • Always keep and apply insect repellent

like OFF! Lotion.

• Keep your homes always clean. Dish drainers and flower vases should be cleaned up regularly. Also check the roof gutter be- cause it could also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. I always rely on Baygon insect spray to get rid of pesky dengue mosquitoes.

• Check canal and drains where stagnant water builds up.

•You can use mosquito nets at home so that you will be protected from mosquito bites.

• Wear protective clothes like full pants, long-sleeved shirts so that it will keep you away from mosquito bites. Refrain from wearing dark blue clothes because mosqui- toes are attracted to that hue.

• Keep your doors closed and windows screened in the evening so no mosquitoes can get in your house.

• Ensure that your surroundings are clean at all times.

As they say, an ounce of prevention is al- ways better than a pound of cure. This rainy season, it’s time to kiss dengue goodbye!

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Drop by SC Johnson’s Mission: Zero Dengue Mosquitoes Booth in Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Metro East on September 20-22. Sign the Mission: Zero Dengue Mosquitoes Pledge Wall and get a chance to help a family in need.