The Ministry of Health is calling on the general public to maintain vigilance in the fight against the aedes aegypti mosquito which transmits the Dengue fever.
There are one hundred and eight four (184) reported cases of Dengue Fever for the period July to August.
The majority of cases- one hundred and sixty two (162) are from the Roseau Health District, which includes the Roseau South, Roseau Valley, Roseau North, and Roseau Central up to the Mahaut area.
The Marigot and St. Joseph Health Districts have also reported a few cases.
Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed, Communicable Disease Surveillance Officer of the Health Information Unit, stated that vigilance should be maintained since infected persons coming to Dominica from the neighbouring French Islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique can contribute to the spread of the Disease.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever include High fever, rash, severe headaches, back pain, eye pain, muscles and joint pain.
The time between the bite of a mosquito carrying dengue virus and the start of the symptoms averages four to six days, with a range of three to 14 days.
An infected person cannot spread the infection to other persons but can be a source of the dengue virus for mosquitoes for about six days.
Persons with symptoms should report to their Health Center, doctor or to the Princess Margaret Hospital.
The Environmental Health Department and the Health Promotion Resource Center with support from National Pest and Termite Control Ltd. and other stakeholders continue to implement the National Dengue Emergency Plan
– Continued mosquito surveillance
– Fogging operations
– provision of chemical to eliminate breeding sites
– Investigation and surveillance of both suspected and confirmed dengue cases
– Investigation of dengue related complaints
In addition National Pest and Termite Control Ltd. have placed Vector Control Officers in areas of high infestation within the Roseau District.
The Ministry of Health continues to:
– Conduct health educations sessions to the general public especially at the Health Care facilities throughout the island and to fisherman and community groups
-To distribute educational materials such as leaflets, flyers and posters
– The airing of Public Service Announcements via radio, television and big screen
– Conduct radio and television discussions
– Conduct cleanup campaigns in collaboration with the village councils and Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation.
The Ministry of Health continues to urge the general public to practice safety measures such as keeping drums covered, disposing of tires appropriately and keeping your environment clean to ensure the prevention and spread of dengue fever
Finally……Thank God.. I am better now. I had it in the last week….never knew I had some joints until they ached me to their very cores. Alas. But God is good….I am well today. This is indeed a a breakbone diseases…I got the fever under control in about 2 days… although my temperature dropped low sometimes… but thank God it is over….although mosquitoes still biting me. ..hope I wont have a recurrence.
But I knew those health ppl were playing around…..they had to come out long time… since the first 10 cases to tell persons so persons would have been jolted from the self made security. They should be fogging every day…. I bought a insecticide to spray mosquitoes for the first time.. haven’t done much as yet.. .I have always been skeptical about their use.. but I guess.. I will have to use it now.
I know it was that bad all along. It is even worse than that. At least they are now realising is best they say the truth. Persons with video camera need to video tape the fogging. In some areas it is like fogging with speed. Also it the scent used to last longer before. Is it improved or ‘watered’ down? Just want the Govt to get what they paying for.