Vincentians are urged to exercise caution and take preventive measures following reported instances of Dengue fever in the nation.
Reports are that between January and September 21, 2023, the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit has noted 15 cases.
The ministry says this number of cases is within the threshold expected. There have been no reported deaths due to dengue recorded to date.
Understanding dengue fever
Dengue fever is an illness transmitted through mosquito bites, specifically, those mosquitoes infected with the dengue-causing virus.
Symptoms to watch out for
Individuals are urged to be vigilant and seek early medical care if they exhibit symptoms such as:
- Fever with accompanying nausea
- Frequent vomiting
- Notable skin rashes
- Persistent bodily discomforts, including pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint discomfort, and bone pain
- Enlarged glands
- Consistent headaches
Recognizing severe Dengue symptoms
It is crucial to also recognize symptoms indicative of severe Dengue fever, which often emerge a day or two post the initial fever. These include:
- Intense abdominal pain
- Consistent vomiting
- Bleeding tendencies, noticeable from the gums, nose, or in urine, stools, or vomit
- Bruise-like bleeding under the skin
- Respiratory difficulties
More on Dengue fever from CNW
- Jamaica declares dengue outbreak with hundreds of confirmed cases
- Florida officials confirm four new local Dengue cases as spread continues
- Dengue claims lives of school children in Guyana
Accessible testing and prevention
Residents of St Vincent and the Grenadines can avail of free testing for Dengue fever, as well as for Zika and Chikungunya, at government-operated health facilities.
The Ministry of Health underscores that the most effective defense against these mosquito-borne diseases lies in minimizing mosquito breeding. This can be achieved by maintaining clean surroundings and eradicating potential breeding zones.
Ongoing surveillance and updates
The Ministry says it will continue to monitor Dengue Fever closely locally and regionally and will update the public accordingly.
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