‘Be Careful With My Heart’ star, Jodi Sta. Maria, hospitalized with dengue fever

UPDATE 10-8-13: Jodi Sta. Maria wins battle over dengue, thanks fans for the prayers

The star of the Philippine daytime drama, “Be Careful with my Heart”, Jodi Sta. Maria, has been admitted to the hospital with the mosquito borne viral infection, dengue fever, according to a ABS-CBN news report.

According to a television network spokesperson, Jody has been sick for about a week. ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Ginny Ocampo said, “Jodi got sick late last week and we just learned yesterday (Tuesday) that she has dengue. We are praying for her fast recovery.”

It is unclear what her condition is as of this writing.

Related story: Philippines Dengue Fever Count Nears 120,000

Yesterday, her “Be Careful with my Heart” co-star, Richard Yap tweeted the following:

Image/Computer Screen Shot

Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses. This disease used to be called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking.

Dengue fever of multiple types is found in most countries of the tropics and subtropics particularly during and after rainy season.

Jodi Sta. Maria
Image/Video Screen Shot

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there may be 50–100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. However, new research from the University of Oxford and the Wellcome Trust, using cartographic approaches, estimate there to be 390 million dengue infections per year worldwide.

In recent years there have been increased amounts of epidemics in many parts of the world.

There are four types of dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4.

People get the dengue virus from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It is not contagious from person to person.

There are three types of dengue fever in order of less severe to most: the typical uncomplicated dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHS) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

The symptoms of classic dengue usually start within a week after being infected. They include very high fever, up to 105°F, severe headache, pain behind the eye, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting and a rash.

Symptoms of DHF include all the symptoms of classic dengue plus severe damage to the blood vessels.Bleeding from the nose, gums or under the skin are common. This form of dengue can be fatal.

Symptoms of DSS include all of the above symptoms plus; fluid leaking outside of blood vessels, massive bleeding and shock. This form of the disease usually happens in children experiencing their second infection.

Two-third of all fatalities occurs among children.

Diagnosis of the disease is often through typical signs and symptoms. Lab tests can be useful. Detection of the virus in acute phase serum within 5 days of onset or specific antibodies in convalescent serum obtained 6 days after onset of illness.

There is no treatment for dengue, just treat the symptoms. Persons who think they have dengue should use analgesics (pain relievers) with acetaminophen and avoid those containing aspirin. They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consult a physician.

There is not a vaccine for dengue fever. The CDC recommends the following preventive measures:

The best preventive measure for residents living in areas infested with Aedes mosquito is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water.

For travelers to areas with dengue, as well as people living in areas with dengue, the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes indoors is reduced by utilization of air conditioning or windows and doors that are screened.

Proper application of mosquito repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing decreases the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

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