Rigel Ree C.

Ancheta Community and Public Health

BSMT-1

Epidemiology of Dengue Disease in the Philippines (2000–2011): A

Systematic Literature Review

Article (PDF) in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 8(11):e3027 · November 2014 with 5,464 Reads
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003027 · Source: PubMed
Summary

Dengue disease is a tropical mosquito-borne viral illness and a major health concern in the
Philippines. To know and pinpoint the cause of the dengue disease in the Philippines, researchers
conducted a research about the epidemiology of the it. We used well-defined methods to search and
identify relevant research conducted between 2000 and 2011. This long-term review highlights an
increase in the reported incidence of dengue disease in the Philippines. The rising incidence of dengue
disease may be related to a growing population, increasing urbanization, improvements in surveillance,
and the limited success of vector control measures. Gaps in the epidemiological information available in
the Philippines during the period 2000–2011 include comprehensive national and regional data that
describe the proportion of severe dengue disease, including hospitalizations and mortality, and incidence
data per 100,000 population. More comprehensive data are also needed for age, serotype, and
seroprevalence on both national and regional levels. The data presented enable the observation of
epidemiological characteristics, both within and across years. Such assessments are essential at national
and regional levels to improve both preparedness and response activities relating to dengue disease
outbreaks

Epidemiology of Cholera in the Philippines

Anna Lena Lopez, Lino Y. Macasaet, Michelle Ylade, Enrique A. Tayag, Mohammad Ali
Published: January 8, 2015

Summary

Cholera has been increasingly reported in the past decade. It is most feared because of its
tendency to spread rapidly resulting in deaths in a short time, if appropriate treatment is not provided.
For fear of trade and travel sanctions, countries were disinclined to report cholera, unless large outbreaks
ensued. Although countries in Asia have been reporting cholera, it is believed that more cases are not
being identified and instead being reported as acute watery diarrhea. Cholera is endemic in the Philippines
however data on cholera in the country remained sparse, until 2008 when surveillance was strengthened.
From 2008 to 2013, 42,071 suspected and confirmed cholera cases were reported in 87% of provinces
and metropolitan areas in the country, confirming the endemicity of cholera in the Philippines. Poor
access to improved sanitation was associated with cholera. On the other hand, despite access to improved
water sources, cholera remains to be seen. The latter is most probably due to the breakdown and non-
chlorination of water systems. We identified areas where cholera has been known to occur in the
Philippines, this will assist in the development and implementation of policies to minimize the morbidity
and mortality due to this disease.

Epidemiology of Japanese Encephalitis in the

Philippines: A Systematic Review
Anna Lena Lopez, Josephine G. Aldaba, Vito G. Roque Jr., Amado O. Tandoc III, Ava Kristy Sy, Fe
Esperanza Espino, Maricel DeQuiroz-Castro, Youngmee Jee, Maria Joyce Ducusin, Kimberley K. Fox
Published: March 20, 2015

Summary

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an important cause of neurologic infections in Asia, resulting
in substantial disability and deaths. Although believed to be endemic in the Philippines, little is known of
the epidemiology and geographic distribution of this disease in the country. We reviewed data from
clinical studies, prevalence surveys and animal studies since the 1950s. Based on this review, JEV is an
important cause of encephalitis and febrile illness in all three major island groups of the country. The
majority of cases were seen in children younger than 15 years and males were more often affected than
females. The national laboratory-initiated testing of referred cases in 2009 and surveillance for acute
encephalitis syndrome (AES) with laboratory confirmation of a subset of cases was established in 2011.
From 2011 to 2014, there were 1,032 cases of suspected JE. Of 497 cases with specimens tested, 73 (15%)
had laboratory-confirmed JE. Our findings confirm that JE has an extensive geographic distribution in the
Philippines. These findings support the introduction of JE vaccine into the country’s routine immunization
program.

Outbreak of Henipavirus Infection, Philippines, 2014

Paola Katrina G. Ching, Vikki Carr de los Reyes, Maria Nemia Sucaldito, Enrique Tayag, Alah Baby
Columna-Vingno, Fedelino F. Malbas, Gilbert C. Bolo, James Sejvar, Debbie Eagles, Geoffrey Playford,
Erica Dueger, Yoshihiro Kaku, Shigeru Morikawa, Makoto Kuroda, Glenn A. Marsh, Sam McCullough,
and A. Ruth Foxwell

Summary
During 2014, Henipaviral infection caused severe illness among humans and horses in southern
Philippines; Fatality rates among humans were high. Horse-to-human and human-to-human transmission
occurred. The most likely source of horse infection was fruit bats. Epidemiologic data suggest that the
most common route of virus transmission to humans was direct exposure to infected horses, contact with
contaminated body fluids during slaughtering of sick horses, and/or consumption of undercooked meat
from infected horses. However, for at least 5 cases, clinical and epidemiologic evidence suggest direct
human-to-human virus transmission. No protective equipment was used by those who cared for case-
patients in the home, and health care workers used gloves and a face mask but not eye protection. The
evidence of human-to-human transmission in this outbreak confirms the need for preventative measures
in home care and health care settings.

Epidemiologic Study of Blastocytis Infection in an Urban

Community in the Philippines
Maria Luz B. Belleza,1 Jessa Louise C. Cadacio,2 Maridel P. Borja,3 Juan Antonio A.
Solon,1 Mildred A. Padilla,4 Pilarita N. Tongol-Rivera,1 and Windell L. Rivera5,6
Received 1 March 2015; Accepted 29 April 2015
Summary
Blastocystis has been considered as the most common intestinal parasite in humans and has
an augmented impact on public health. However, the prevalence of this parasite in the
Philippines has not been determined. To contribute to a better understanding of the
epidemiology of this infection, a cross-sectional study aimed at providing the first documented
data on the prevalence and correlates, sociodemographic factors, hygiene practices, source of
water supply, and dog ownership, associated with Blastocystis infection was carried out in
randomly selected communities at Pateros, Metro Manila. Fecal samples from respondents were
collected and cultured in diphasic agar medium for 3–7 days and examined using light
microscopy. Of the 1,271 respondents, 12.98% (95% CI: 11.13–14.83) were detected positive
for Blastocystis. Among the correlates of Blastocystis infection, dog ownership was found
significantly associated as confirmed by multivariate analysis. Therefore, this factor should be
considered in information to create awareness about Blastocystis and to prevent and
control Blastocystis infection in particular and diarrheal diseases in general. Further studies using
molecular approaches to distinguish subtype and to determine genetic characteristics of isolates
from humans and dogs are recommended to analyze their relationship and provide more
conclusive evidence of cross-transmission.