MANILA, Philippines - The life of a three-year-old girl from Mexico, Pampanga was tragically cut short by a deadly mosquito-borne disease.
In a viral Facebook post, Vallerie Ann Balagtas revealed that her young cousin, Alexine T. Canda, died of Japanese encephalitis (JE) on Friday, September 1. According to Valerie, Alexine showed various symptoms like high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, difficulty in speaking, weakness, convulsions and seizures.
Balagtas said Alexine died within 24 hours since symptoms manifested.
“WALA PONG LUNAS ANG SAKIT NA ITO MALIBAN SA VACCINE NGUNIT PAHIRAPAN PO SA PAG PAPARESERVE 😭 Namatay po ang pinsan namin ng 24 HOURS LAMANG. Agad po siyang BRAIN DEAD DAHIL NALASON PO ANG DUGO AT UTAK NYA,” Balagtas wrote in her post.
From January to August 5 this year, 57 cases of Japanese encephalitis were recorded in the country of which five cases led to fatality. More than half of the cases, 29, were documented in Pampanga.
Carried by the mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Japanese encephalitis disease is present in all regions in the Philippines.
Like dengue, another mosquitos-related disease, there is no known cure for Japanese encephalitis but can be prevented by vaccines. Although vaccines are already available in the Philippines, it is expensive at P3,500 to P5,000 each.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Japanese encephalitis has an average fatality of three out of 10 patients who exhibit severe symptoms. Almost all survivors may experience permanent effects. About 30 to 50% of survivors are left with permanent disabilities, while 20% experience cognitive and language problems as well as convulsions. On the other hand, 30% may suffer from motor deficiencies.
Other survivors may experience less severe behavioral problems or learning disabilities.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
In a viral Facebook post, Vallerie Ann Balagtas revealed that her young cousin, Alexine T. Canda, died of Japanese encephalitis (JE) on Friday, September 1. According to Valerie, Alexine showed various symptoms like high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, difficulty in speaking, weakness, convulsions and seizures.
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Vallerie Ann Balagtas |
“WALA PONG LUNAS ANG SAKIT NA ITO MALIBAN SA VACCINE NGUNIT PAHIRAPAN PO SA PAG PAPARESERVE 😭 Namatay po ang pinsan namin ng 24 HOURS LAMANG. Agad po siyang BRAIN DEAD DAHIL NALASON PO ANG DUGO AT UTAK NYA,” Balagtas wrote in her post.
From January to August 5 this year, 57 cases of Japanese encephalitis were recorded in the country of which five cases led to fatality. More than half of the cases, 29, were documented in Pampanga.
Carried by the mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Japanese encephalitis disease is present in all regions in the Philippines.
Like dengue, another mosquitos-related disease, there is no known cure for Japanese encephalitis but can be prevented by vaccines. Although vaccines are already available in the Philippines, it is expensive at P3,500 to P5,000 each.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Japanese encephalitis has an average fatality of three out of 10 patients who exhibit severe symptoms. Almost all survivors may experience permanent effects. About 30 to 50% of survivors are left with permanent disabilities, while 20% experience cognitive and language problems as well as convulsions. On the other hand, 30% may suffer from motor deficiencies.
Other survivors may experience less severe behavioral problems or learning disabilities.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
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