Family physicians called upon to take a closer look at patient’s symptoms
The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health is requesting physicians to be on the alert to the presenting symptoms and to order the necessary lab tests.
Dengue symptoms which are similar to the flu symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains; nausea/vomiting; rash and hemorrhagic manifestations. If you have these symptoms ask your physician to request a lab test for dengue, avoid pain relievers that contain aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
The aforementioned information is essential and vital to the Ministry of Public Health in determining the public health situation of the nation and to strategically plan its response to the identified risk.
For the period of January 1st to January 28th , 2013, CPS has received reports of 36 clinical cases fitting the Dengue Fever case definition, of these 14 were confirmed as Dengue Fever. Based on the reported numbers and the reported Dengue situation by our French colleagues who have announced that they are entering into the beginning of Epidemic phase, CPS will be in alert mode and will continue to monitor the developments of reported numbers.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Health attended a meeting with French officials on Monday at the Prefecture to discuss the dengue situation and to review the reported numbers and actions for both sides.
Last week CPS announced that the country diagnosed 35 cases of dengue fever compared to 22 in 2011, and according to CPS, this signals a potential risk if the mosquito population grows and requested the community to be proactive in keeping their environment free of mosquito breeding sites.
CPS maintains its message from last week – it is necessary for the community to continue to take measures on the elimination of mosquito breeding sources throughout the year. Let us be proactive and not wait until the numbers increase to take action.
Dengue Fever is transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to and adult mosquito.
CPS is calling on the community to implement mosquito preventive measures in order to prevent vector borne diseases.
Measures should be taken in and around the workplace, social gatherings and living quarters to eliminate mosquito breeding sources.
Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, ‘Get Checked" campaign, is in line with CPS’s appeal for residents and business owners, to check-in and around their homes and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
An increase in the mosquito population puts residents at risk. For information about dengue fever prevention measures, you can call CPS at 542-2078 or 542-3003.