Dengue claims lives of school children in Guyana

Guyana’s health minister Dr Frank Anthony has confirmed that two children succumbed to dengue infections.

The children were ages nine and 11. 

Undergoing treatment for dengue

Reports are that both children were undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The hospital reports that currently, no other children are in critical care due to dengue.

One of the deceased children, a student from a primary school in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), had been battling the infection in the ICU for five days before the unfortunate outcome.

More on dengue in the Caribbean 

• St Lucia monitoring increased incidence of dengue & Chikungunya cases


• CARPHA warns region to continue being vigilant against Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya


• Cuba makes strides in developing vaccine against Dengue Fever

Dengue statistics: A growing concern

As of the latest data, approximately 3,453 individuals in Guyana have contracted the mosquito-borne illness this year, with 2,169 of these cases still marked as active.

In response to the rising number of infections, local officials have increased efforts to mitigate the spread of the disease.

This includes fogging various areas to reduce the mosquito population and distributing agents that eliminate mosquito larvae.

People are reminded to be vigilant, as dengue symptoms can manifest as high fevers, intense head and body aches, and nausea.

Dengue, transmitted by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, is a viral illness with symptoms akin to a severe flu.

In some instances, it can lead to a life-threatening condition known as severe dengue.

 

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