The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that the dengue situation in Dominica is declining.
A review of our data shows that the number of persons with dengue fever peaked during the week of August 22-28. Since then the number of reported cases per week have been gradually declining.
The number of hospitalization seen per week has also been decreased.
Most dengue cases were reported from the Roseau Health Districts. Nonetheless, there were cases from all health districts. There were two cases of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever. There has been no confirmed case of fatality.
Despite the downward trend of dengue, the Ministry of Health continues with its vigorous campaign against Aedes aegypti which include health education namely, media publicity, schools and community group discussions. The Environmental Health Department continues the campaign in reducing the breeding sites of mosquitoes. Fogging of high risk areas along with regular surveillance activities of the Aedes aegypti also continue.
The Ministry of Health is appealing to the general public to continue taking precautionary measures to prevent the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which transmit dengue fever.
You can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by doing the following:
• Frequently checking and removing stagnant water on your premises
• Keeping your environment clean, covering all containers capable of holding water — drums, cisterns, barrels and tanks keeping potted plants in wet soil and sand;
• Getting rid of all old tires.
• Cleaning eaves and gutters regularly.
Please protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellents on exposed parts of the body: feet, arms etc. Wear long sleeves shirts and blouses as far as possible and use bed nets.
Please join the fight against dengue fever.
To my understanding dengue fever is caused when the Aedes aegypti mosquito bites an infected person and then bites someone who is not infected thus transferring the virus to the healthy individual. Some of the sypmtoms of Dengue fever are nausea, vomiting, fever of over 104 degrees, joint pain. One should consult a doctor within five days since it could lead to death if not treated.
Individual who have dengue fever should stay away from ASPIRIN at all cost since it thins the blood and allows the virus to spread quicker through the body. Drink alot of fluids.
A few ways of eradicating the mosquito is to fill up any breeding ground that the mosquito uses or pour oil in puddles or containers that collect water. The mosquito travels during the day and sleeps at night and like dark places so keep bushes low by clearing them.
The are four stages of dengue fever and to my understanding one can get one type once in a lifetime, however every other stage is worst than the previous. Take care readers and should you notice anyone with these symptoms refer them to a doctor.
That’s good to know that the ministry of Health is taking certain measures to eradicate this problem.