Overview of Dengue Fever Virus

Dengue Fever Virus (DENV) is one of the life-threatening diseases which are caused by pests that transfers infectious agents from a living organism to another that causes serious illnesses. It has become the most endemic tropical disease in the Philippines especially during rainy season, starting from the month of June to August where optimum transmissions of pathogens occurs. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the country was ranked fourth in prevalence of Dengue in the whole Southeast Asia with over 117,065 cases during 2008 to 2012. Looking back, it was seen that the highest incidental rate of Dengue occurred in Manila with over 60. 9 cases per 100,000 population. This is because as time gradually pass by, there is a rapid urbanization and more disposal wastes has been made every time a person consumes a good.

With improper management of these wastes and continuous negligence over environmental security will result to a greater risk of developing different life-threatening viruses and diseases. Atif Abbasi (2016) describes that Dengue Fever Virus ranges from an occurrence of ordinary elevated body temperature to a very dangerous capillary leakage, also called the Clarkson’s Disease. When fluids and proteins leaks out from a bloodstream in a circulatory system, the organs such as kidneys, liver and brain may be deprived of oxygen and certain nutrients that will result to disturbance on its function. It prevent organs from functioning that may result to death. World Health Organization (2018) also describes that Dengue Fever Virus is a fervid infection with an estimated 2. 5 billion people in both developing and developed countries exposed to this risk. The female mosquitoes, notably the yellow fever mosquito or Aedes Aegypti and the forest mosquito or Aedes Albopictus, are well known parasites from Kingdom Animalia and Family of Culicidae. These mosquito species are the primary vectors of Dengue Fever Virus, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever Virus and Zika Infection. However, male mosquitoes of all species only live on fruits. World Health Organization (2018) also clears that these female mosquitoes are active depending on the temperature levels a day. During colder seasons, some mosquitoes die and some hibernates. When the temperature reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit, these mosquitoes will be active and will begin to hatch their eggs that will eventually increase their population. It lay eggs on rain water stored in containers and tires, or in polluted river with poor management. These areas will attract large number of mosquito species and has a high probability to be its safest haven that are dangerous for people in all ages who are near the area.

According to Faiman et. al. (2014), evolution of mosquitoes are dependent on water. Anything that has a presence of water can be a possible habitat for mosquitoes, stagnant or not, diminutive or huge. Thus, mosquitoes can produce as long as water is present. Beckford (2017) states that these aquatic mosquitoes are called Blind Mosquitoes. These are mostly linked with poor water quality and has a huge number of population in both natural and manmade water bodies. Their eggs are attached on the shrub along the surface of the water and may last to two or seven weeks before the hatching time. Hence, the pupal stage will take about 3 days. Although, Swift (2017) states that mosquitoes do not play an important role in the ecosystem, it have been one of the most successful creatures that developed its kind. Stagnant waters, ponds or even lakes were the places that mosquitoes usually develop its number. Hence, the researchers aim to determine the experiences of the students who became the victims of the said virus, preferably from the Botanical Garden of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, to verify this issue that circles around the campus, to identify the factors which triggers the mosquito attacks, to assess the awareness of students about the safety measures of Dengue and ensure health security, and to encourage the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas family to be prepared to withstand Dengue Virus for the improvement of the University itself. Moreover, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas is already included in the Top 10% Greenest Universities in the World and sustained an environmental-friendly University for students. The Botanical Garden of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas is near the man-made lake that has gone stale which can be a potential habitat of mosquitoes.

There are tall trees, colorful flowers, nipa huts, lake and the well-known Botanical Garden. It is rich in biodiversity wherein number of species can be found such as; butterflies, birds and even small species like mosquitoes. The lake and the garden of the University were made for the scientific research of the students and public service as well. To reduce this risk, Eisen R. (2011) initiates that a community must predict, prevent and control.

Firstly, predict the time where mosquitoes usually attack. This organism most likely prefer to flight on tropical season where heat is present. Female mosquitoes search for hosts that satisfies their specific requirements before biting and suck for blood. Secondly, prevent being attacked. Preventing mosquito-vector contact must begin with self-initiative. World Health Organization (2018) suggests that by wearing a clothing that minimizes skin exposure will have a lesser chance of getting a mosquito bite. Repellents may also be used as well as insecticides, in accordance with its instructions. Lastly, control the population growth of mosquitoes. Chapter 1 in the book of “The Life and Times of Mosquito” pg. 14 emphasizes that there is an estimated 3,500 types of mosquito species with an estimated population of 100 trillion. This is because as pollution increases, food and wastes also increases along with the numbers of insects, including mosquitoes.