There have been no reported cases of dengue fever on the island, according to the Ministry of Health.
However Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Griffin Benjamin says there is an increase in the number persons complaining of symptoms associated with Dengue fever.
He has assured that the Ministry of Health is fully prepared in the event of a Dengue outbreak in Dominica, as they maintain alert and vigilance of the Dengue fever situation in Dominica.
“Although we recognize that there is an increase in the number of persons who are reporting to be suffering with fever and pains, there is no diagnosis with dengue cases. Three of the persons who reported with fever and pains, there samples were sent for testing and it indicated that they were screened positive for a virus but we don’t know if its dengue,” he said.
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. It occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Symptoms appear 3 to 14 days after the infective bite.
Symptoms range from a mild fever, to incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash. There are no specific antiviral medicines for dengue. It is important to maintain hydration, a World Health Organization (WHO) report advises.
According to Dr. Benjamin, the ministry of health dealt with the matter in 2007.
He said the district teams are meeting with various communities to educate the public on the matter.
I do not believe this…. I am sure that there are dengue cases in Dominica. And the health people should not be so….”tricksy”. I myself just suffered these kinds of symptoms and I went to the doctor.. he is like take lots of fluid and paracetamol. Asking him if it could be dengue… possibly. Perrrrrrlllllllllllleeeeeeeasseeeee. No further investigation, this is crazy. Our health care ppl need to do better than that. I heard a lady said her child had dengue… and she was at the hospital.. so I am confused.. did she make that diagnosis or was she told that.
They need to come out with the information or is it that they do not want to do a lot of testing? When it touches close to home.. they will know whether it has or not.
IN FRONT OF THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS STANDS A GREEN STAGNANT WATER FOUNTAIN..NEEDS TO BE CLEANED OUT..THOSE IN CHARGE PLEASE TAKE HEED!
@behind:
I am happy you went in school.
I am also happy i did not go to your school. thanks
it seem like its not conclusive?
The test should be conclusive.
its either yes or no.
not “dont know if its dengue”
This test has been develop for years.@behind:
How much clearer he needs to be? “We don’t know if its dengue.” It is not the Dr’s fault that you went behind of school instead of in school.
Did not understand that report from the Dr!!
The Dr said
“Although we recognize that there is an increase in the number of persons who are reporting to be suffering with fever and pains, there is no diagnosis with dengue cases. Three of the persons who reported with fever and pains, there samples were sent for testing and it indicated that they were screened positive for a virus but we don’t know if its dengue,”
Well if the test can’t tell whether it’s dengue or not then WHAT TEST WAS THAT Dr?
So what virus is it?