ALL ABOUT DENGUE
LAST THURSDAY, January 3, the Ministry of Health advised that the island is now experiencing an outbreak of the dreaded dengue fever. Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton, in an emergency press conference, revealed that 123 cases of the disease were recorded in December 2018. The figure includes suspected, presumed and confirmed cases. The minister said the number surpasses the outbreak threshold, which is 96.
As Jamaicans continue to protect themselves during this time, here are some facts to consider:
What is dengue?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has rapidly spread around the world in recent years. Dengue virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes, mainly of the species Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus. This mosquito also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika infection. Dengue is widespread throughout the tropics, with local variations in risk influenced by rainfall, temperature and unplanned rapid urbanisation.
The infection causes flu-like illness, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue. The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades. About half of the world’s population is now at risk. Dengue prevention and control depends on effective vector-control measures. While there is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue, early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates to below one per cent.