The Ministry of Health is reporting a decrease in cases of Dengue in Dominica.
There was a total of 17 cases for the period August 25 to 31, as compared to 23 cases in previous week.
The highest number of cases occurred during the week of August 4 to 10 , with 28 probable cases and one confirmed case, according to a release from the ministry.
WEEKLY DENGUE CASES REPORTED FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 4 TO 31, 2013
Reporting Week | No. of probable Cases | No. of Confirmed Cases |
August 4 – 10 | 28 | 1 |
August 11 — 17 | 23 | 0 |
August 18 — 24 | 19 | 0 |
August 25 — 31 | 17 | 0 |
According to the release, 20 people have been hospitalized, to date, mainly children and young adults, due to Dengue.
Though cases were reported from all seven Health Districts, the Roseau Health District reported the highest number of confirmed cases.
To date, there have been no reported severe cases of the disease or deaths from Dengue Fever.
Dengue is caused by any of four dengue viruses, which are transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Dengue is a major public health problem in the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia.
Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain and rash. Severe infections can result in hemorrhage, shock, and death.
The Ministry of Health says it is collaborating with the National Pest and Termite Control to continue its control and prevention programme, in managing the outbreak of dengue fever by fogging, (using non-toxic chemicals to destroy the adult mosquito), conducting households inspections, treatment of all ports of entry, treatment of major dump sites and swamps, holding of educational sessions in the various health districts, distribution of educational materials and media campaign.
It hits some years, reaches its peak and then goes away. That is the curve of certain vector borne diseases.