Dengue On The Rise

Health officials are reporting an increase in dengue fever…but so far the reported cases are limited to a specific area of the island.

Chief Medical officer, Dr Rhonda Sealy-Thomas, says the Ministry of health is still compiling the figures of the number of cases reported so far.

However, she says the indications are that there has been a spike in the number of people seeking medical attention for dengue fever.

The ministry is concerned because dengue fever is spread by the aedes egypti mosquito that also causes chikungunya. But the chief medical officer says that unlike chikungunya…dengue fever in its worst form… can be deadly.

In response…The Central Board of Health has been called into action to intensify its anti-mosquito fogging campaign in the Fitches Creek and surrounding areas, where most of the reported cases originate.

Chief Health Inspector, Lionel Michael, says campaigning started in earnest on Sunday and will continue into Thursday. He is advising homeowners across the country to take extra precautions in an effort to reduce to spread of the mosquito.

According to the health official…the mosquito needs clean clear water to lay its eggs and to multiply.

Homeowners are advised to ensure that their surroundings are free of anything that may collect water that the mosquito may use.

The symptoms of dengue fever include high fever…muscle and joint pains, headaches, rash and bleeding. In extreme cases…it can also lead to death