Section Collective Preventive Services (CPS) from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, reports that there were 10 confirmed cases of dengue fever for the month of February of which three persons reside on the French side. For the month of January there were four confirmed cases of which one was a fatality.
Physicians are requested to remain attentive in the diagnosis of dengue fever.
The only way to prevent dengue virus transmission is to combat the disease-carrying mosquitoes. Based on the fact that reports of dengue fever in the Caribbean are prevalent, CPS is requesting residents to remain vigilant in executing measures in eradicating mosquito breeding places.
The CPS request collective assistance from the community in protecting themselves, your family and your neighbor from the Aedes Agypti mosquito by means of minimizing mosquito breeding places in their surroundings and close environment.
Preventive actions that every household and each resident should take are: removal of debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards (usually are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases). These areas should be immediately eliminated.
Immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.
Consultation with your physician is imperative for proper treatment and registration of the dengue fever case to ensure adequate follow-up by CPS.
Anyone requiring information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of mosquito breeding place(s), overgrown vegetation etc should immediately call CPS at 542-2078.