Dengue alert!

Dengue Fever is the most significant vector borne disease affecting the Caribbean region, and Dominica is on the alert for an outbreak of both the Classical Dengue and the more serious Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

The Ministry of Health believes that there is an increased public health threat to Dominica especially now that the French Territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe are faced with an increase in the incidence of Dengue Fever.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Caribbean Epidemiological Centre (CAREC) is advising the region to be prepared for what could be a record year for Dengue Epidemic. In addition to the reports of new cases in Guadeloupe and Martinique, new cases are also reported for Puerto Rico and Miami in 2010.  In 2009, Dominica recorded two laboratory confirmed cases of Dengue Fever and so far in 2010 two new cases were confirmed by CAREC laboratory studies in Trinidad.

Dominica like other Caribbean islands is presently enjoying increased rainfall at this time.  Unfortunately, the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito population on the island is increasing to a level that elevates the risk of vector borne diseases.  It is with this in mind that the Ministry of Health wishes to alert the entire population of the nature and scope of the threat.

We recognize that certain environmental and sanitary conditions create excellent breeding sites for mosquitoes:

• Irregular water supply to residents,
• Poor water storage at homes and public places,
• Improper disposal of used tires and
• Improper use of water in domestic flower pots.
• The presence of garbage containers collecting water in private and public places

The Ministry of Health has developed an Integrated Management Strategy and Action Plan and is launching a public campaign to prevent and control problems related to mosquitoes.  In addition to increasing the number of inspection activities, a series of health education activities are organized to encourage and promote community participation in mosquito prevention and control work.

In order to prevent the outbreak of Dengue Fever and control the spread of the mosquito population, Communities around Dominica are asked to:

• Practice safe storage of rain water in containers that are fully covered
• Advocate for the proper disposal of old and used containers in designated areas
• Campaign for appropriate disposal of used tires in designated areas
• Monitor the water quality in domestic flower pots

The spread of Dengue Fever in Dominica is a real possibility. However, we are please to inform that there is no outbreak of Dengue Fever at this time. Therefore, to prevent an outbreak, it is critical that we work with all the stakeholders such as Health Promotion Unit, Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation, Local Government, National Pest and Termite Control Ltd. and the general public.