Bridgetown.
The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever so far this year has increased compared to the corresponding period last year.
There was also one confirmed death of an adult last month resulting from dengue – the first such fatality for the year.
The Ministry of Health is reporting 297 confirmed cases of dengue fever compared to 100 confirmed cases for the same period in 2012. Overall, there were 431 confirmed cases of dengue fever for 2012.
Persons who are experiencing symptoms of dengue fever, including sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain should seek medical attention. In addition, symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever such as bleeding from nose, mouth and gums, frequent vomiting, clammy skin, rash or loss of consciousness will require immediate medical attention.
Members of the public are also urged to keep their surroundings clean since the Aedes Aegypti mosquito can breed where water settles.
As a result, every effort should be made to eliminate conditions which promote mosquito breeding and encourage the spread of the dengue fever. This includes checking roof guttering, plant pots, disposed tyres, garbage cans, discarded appliances and plastic containers for water collection; as well as septic tanks and underground and above ground water storage systems.
It is, therefore, imperative that the public takes necessary precautions to eliminate the breeding of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito by carrying out a weekly inspection of their premises.
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