Dengue fever cases reported in St Vincent and the Grenadines

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

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.