Philippines faces alarming increase in dengue cases

Communities in the Philippines are turning to creative solutions to combat the dengue outbreak as cases of the mosquito-borne illness are skyrocketing across the Southeast Asian archipelagic country.

More than 43,000 dengue cases have been reported from January to mid-February nationwide, compared with almost 28,000 in the same period last year, according to Philippine health department data.

Health officials warn rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, exacerbating the crisis.

In response, village chief Cerlito Cernal of Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City launched a scheme in one of the country's most densely populated areas. His strategy offers a token bounty to residents for captured mosquitoes - one peso for every five caught.

The urban village with over 170,000 residents has recorded three child deaths from dengue viral infection. Residents are now clearing stagnant water and collecting mosquitoes to claim the bounty. The captured insects are placed in an electric mosquito killer, while larvae are destroyed with insecticide. "It's for the cleanliness of our village. We must get rid of stagnant water where mosquitoes lay eggs, so we don't get dengue," Cernal told China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical countries worldwide. It can cause joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes, and in severe cases can cause breathing problems, hemorrhaging and organ failure. There is no specific treatment for the illness.

The Philippines has managed to maintain slightly lower mortality rates amid the increase in dengue infections, but younger children remain the most vulnerable.

Fourteen-year-old Saentellie Estordillo was among the latest victims. Her family said she had a high fever before she started vomiting blood. The young girl passed away after a week in the hospital.

"It was so unexpected and it happened so fast. The doctor said the virus spread throughout her body and her liver was severely affected," said Lorena Estordillo, the victim's grandmother.

The Philippine health department is urging the public to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of dengue symptoms. To ease the surge in cases, government hospitals have been ordered to activate dengue fast lanes for quicker diagnosis and treatment. Rapid test kits have also been deployed to speed up detection and response.

Health officials say climate change is fueling a year-round dengue crisis in the Philippines. Warmer temperatures and prolonged rains are creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, accelerating the spread of the virus. With unpredictable weather patterns, experts warn dengue outbreaks are no longer seasonal but a constant threat.

Philippines faces alarming increase in dengue cases

Philippines faces alarming increase in dengue cases

Philippines faces alarming increase in dengue cases

Philippines faces alarming increase in dengue cases

Philippines faces alarming increase in dengue cases

As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.

This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.

A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.

"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.

The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.

Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.

Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.

To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.

Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.

Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'