HEALTH REMINDS ON TAKING PRECAUTIONS AGAINST DENGUE
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is advising the general public to take precautions to protect against dengue mosquitoes and avoid contracting the dengue virus.
The advice comes in light of the recent surge in dengue cases recorded, mainly after the recent rainy weather. Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus which is spread through the day-biting aedes eygpti mosquito.
It is common to experience an increase in mosquito populations during the wet and hot season (November to April).
Early Symptoms of dengue are high fever, nausea, loss of appetite and generalized body pain.
With the recent increase seen in dengue cases, the Ministry has responded promptly through community advocacy activities with the intent of heightening individual and community awareness of dengue conditions at this time and to also motivate community and individual prevention activities against all mosquitoes caused diseases.
In the first six weeks of this year a total of 143 dengue positive cases were recorded. The central/eastern division has recorded 25 dengue positive cases, with the western recording 88 and the northern recording 30 dengue positive cases.
The numbers may continue to increase if prevention and control measures are not intensified.
The Health Ministry strongly urges the public to act immediately to destroy dengue mosquito breeding places. Removing dengue mosquito breeding places will ultimately lead to a decrease in the number of dengue positive cases.
Health officials in dengue high risk areas have already been mobilised following the coordination of the ‘Fight the Bite’ campaign to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Spraying of mosquito breeding grounds in communities has commenced and a cleanup campaign against dengue fever and other arboviral diseases (Zika and Chikungunya) will be launched.
The Ministry needs the assistance of the public in its fight against disease spreading mosquitoes.
The public is also reminded that dengue mosquitoes breed around human dwellings and in manmade receptacles that collect stagnant water such as flower pots, flower pot plates, roof gutters, tins, cans, unused tyres, coconut shells, air conditioning trays (as water collects there), blocked drains and drums.
It is important to cover water stored in drums and other water containing units. Any gardening tools such as watering cans and wheel barrows should be overturned or left empty.
Parents are encouraged to ensure that their child’s outdoor toys do not contain stagnant water.
The Health Ministry reiterates that by following these simple clean-up routines, dengue mosquito breeding places can be destroyed.
Using mosquito repellents, safe mosquito coils and mosquito nets will provide much needed protection against dengue mosquitoes, especially during the day and at dusk when they are most likely to bite.
Furthermore, it is advisable to keep hydrated by increasing water intake.
The public are urged to present themselves early to health facilities should dengue symptoms persist.
As the Health Ministry continues to intensify intervention works the public is also encouraged to assist by destroying mosquito breeding places and taking necessary precautions.