GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) reports that four dengue fever cases have been reported within a short period of time. An appeal is going out to the community to take urgent measures in order to prevent a dengue fever outbreak.
The four cases range in age from 17 to 36 and are from different residential districts.
Residents are urged to take proper control measures around their homes to reduce breeding of the Ades aegypti mosquito which has the potential to transmit dengue fever.
To avoid being bitten by a mosquito, use repellent and wear long sleeves shirts/blouses as well as pants. Place screens at windows and doors.
Public action is necessary to keep the mosquito population in check, and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The recent rains open up the possibility of stagnant water being found in items around the home.
Immediately after the rain, search for and eliminate all water accumulated in containers and help your community to prevent dengue.
The Ades aegypti mosquito breeds mostly in domestic environments as a result of human activity. The Aedes aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. In only one week these eggs hatch and grow into adult mosquitoes. Residents therefore have a major role to play in eliminating the aforementioned mosquito and reducing the possibility of another dengue fever outbreak.
The Preventive Health Department is calling on households and businesses to keep their surroundings (in and outdoors) mosquito free.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death. Symptoms are similar to the flu e.g. fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea/vomiting, rash, and hemorrhagic manifestations.
If you have the aforementioned symptoms, ask your physician to request a lab test for dengue.
If you have dengue, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid pain relievers that contain aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
Preventive actions that every household should take are: Debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards 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.
In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure that mosquito's haven't laid any eggs known as larva. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.
Cooperate with the public health inspectors who may request to check the exterior and interior of your premises for mosquito breeding sites.