Men's Health Philippines

Health

The Evolution of an Outbreak

Human history is dotted with outbreaks and epidemics. They all started with something seemingly insignificant. Here’s how to read the warning signs before it’s too late
By Jad Melegrito

Ever heard of the “ripple effect?” It’s a theory where what you may consider as a minor occurrence can actually lead to a larger, more serious situation. Take Benedict Camara, for example. He’s the president of the Philippine Dodgeball Association. Athletic and fit, he was enjoying the prime of his life. He woke up one day to a high fever. Three days later, it was gone—only to be replaced by a numbing weakness and muscle pains. “Nanghihina talaga ako noon, I go up 10 steps [on the stairs] and I’d have to sit down,” he says. The cause? The common mosquito bite. The potential consequence? The most widespread of all tropical diseases: dengue.