30,000 being deployed to fight dengue outbreak

Port-of-Spain: With the number of reported dengue cases in the country increasing, among them six children from three communities in South Trinidad, at least two government ministries are collaberating to ensure as few citizens as possible contract the deadly virus.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said his Ministry was aware of the cases reported in the media and was at present devising a plan for all health institutions to treat with cases of dengue.

All health institutions have been placed on high alert and have been told to tend to all persons who report a fever to determine if they have contracted dengue.

The Ministry of Local Government will announce new measures to aid in preventing a dengue outbreak. Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma says the Ministry in collaberation with the Ministry of Health will launch an aggressive campaign to prevent the spread of the deadly disease around the country.

According to the minister, the prime minister has given the go ahead for 30,000 people from URP, CEPEP, Local Government Ministry along with the defence force and even the fire services to be placed on the ground to spray communities, clear drains and keep areas clean.

The measures will be fully announced on Wednesday at a news conference.

 

According to Minister Sharma it would also include an extensive nationwide clean up campaign, with citizens being urged to do their part as well.  He says he also intends to enforce to litter act and will ensure all corporations tackle areas filled with garbage and proving to be an environmental hazard.

The aggressive campaign comes after six children from Point Fortin, Ste Madeline and Moruga in South Trinidad contracted the deadly disease and were being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital.