The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its blood donation campaign as dengue cases rise in the country.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported over 60,000 dengue cases from January 1 to June 25, 2022, which is 90% higher compared to over 30,000 cases during the same period in 2021. Some dengue cases warrant blood transfusion.
With the increased demand for blood transfusions, the PRC maintains its blood supply by continuing to accept walk-in blood donors in its 102 facilities nationwide. Aside from the blood donation in its facilities, the PRC establishes more strategic partnerships with public and private companies to conduct its Mobile Blood Donation (MBD), which aims to make blood donations more accessible to communities across the country.
As of July 13, the PRC has dispensed 2,267 blood units to 774 dengue patients.
“Sa dumadaming kaso ng dengue sa ating bansa, tinitiyak natin na laging sapat ang suplay ng dugo sa Red Cross para sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan nito,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.
Chairman Gordon encouraged healthy individuals to donate blood regularly through its 102 facilities nationwide to save the lives of dengue patients.
For blood donation, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC NBS at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assures the public that its blood supplies are adequate for Dengue patients as the Department of Health (DOH) reports recent increases in Dengue cases starting at the end of March 2022.
The DOH also reported that, from April 10 to May 7, 2022, most of the Dengue cases were from Region IX (908 cases), Region VII (881 cases), and Region III (593 cases). In response, the PRC conducts dengue awareness and prevention activities to help the DOH in its efforts to curb the continuous increase in the number of Dengue cases in the country.
The PRC also reminds the public of the need to always practice the 4-S campaign to prevent the Dengue virus: Search and destroy breeding places, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas.
In addition, the PRC encourages healthy individuals to donate blood regularly through its 100 facilities nationwide as this act saves the lives of Dengue patients. “Makatitiyak ang ating mga kababayan na laging sapat ang supply ng dugo ng Red Cross para sa mga nangangailangan, lalo ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan at nariyan na naman ang banta ng Dengue sa atin,” Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.
As of June 20, the PRC has served 700 blood units to 239 Dengue patients.
For immediate blood requests and other inquiries, contact the PRC Blood Call Center which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warned the public of dengue fever risk and gave advice on how it can be prevented as the country observes Dengue Awareness Month in June.
The PRC Health Services explained that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes a severe flu-like illness. It can progress into two life-threatening conditions: dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus that causes dengue is passed on to humans from animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, which may last from 2 to 7 days; joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nose bleeding when fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter; dark-colored stools; and difficulty of breathing.
PRC reminds the public of the 4 Ss to prevent dengue:
Search and Destroy: Cover water drums and pails; Replace water in flower vases once a week; Clean gutters of leaves and debris; Collect and dispose of all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles, and other items that can collect and hold water.
Self-Protection Measures: Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt; Use mosquito repellent every day.
Seek Early Consultation: Consult the doctors immediately if fever persists after 2 days and rashes appear.
Say Yes to Fogging when there is an impending outbreak or a hotspot.
The PRC Health Services gives the following advice: If medicine for fever will be given, do not give aspirin. Ensure a person suspected of having dengue is well hydrated. If fever or symptoms persist for 2 or more days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital.
