Philipsburg- Dengue Action Response Team (DART), a multidisciplinary group coordinating the nation's dengue response, confirmed on Thursday that for the month of October, there are now 119 laboratory confirmed dengue cases, and this figure is expected to increase as 69 lab cases are still pending review. Vector Control teams are continuing with their house-to-house/yard inspections in Point Blanche, which should be completed this week. Teams are already carrying out inspections in the Vineyard and Over the Bank residential areas. This area should be completed within two days.
An initial inspection team has already started in the Philipsburg and Fort William areas and all teams are expected to converge on the aforementioned areas in full force on Monday. Vector control teams carry out their inspections from 8.00am to 12.00pm.
The house-to-house/yard inspections are part of the public health response to dengue on the island and are part of an intensified community campaign to eradicate the mosquito that carries dengue fever.
The Hygiene & Veterinary Department is also continuing with its vector control measures of fogging the different districts which is based on having good weather. Rainy weather dilutes the chemicals used making it useless against destroying mosquito populations.
Areas recently completed were Madame Estate, Arch Road, Suckergarden and Guana Bay.
Other areas next in line for vector control fogging are parts of the Keys, Definance, Middle Region, St. James Estate and the A.T. Illidge Road.
The DART Team is requesting every household to take immediate measures to prevent mosquito breeding. The only way to stop the dengue outbreak from growing is by every household taking mosquito breeding preventive action. By taking measures, you are protecting your family from getting dengue fever.
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.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death, however two persons have died since the outbreak and therefore you are urgently advised to take immediate measures to protect your family.
Anyone requiring information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of standing water, overgrown vegetation etc should immediately call the Hygiene Department at 542-2079.