The Ministry of Health says there have been ten suspected cases of dengue fever in Antigua and Barbuda in recent months, placing the country into preparation mode.
Only two of these cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing, the others are suspected cases between April 2018 and January 2019.
More adults than children are reporting dengue fever and so far more females than males are affected.
Symptoms of dengue fever include headaches, fever, vomiting and a rash in some cases.
Medical Officer for Health Dr. Orita Zacharia says even people without the rash should seek medical interventions.
Chief Health Inspector Dr Sharon Martin says “swift action” must now be taken to destroy potential mosquito breeding sites.
“My team has stepped up with routine inspection,” Dr Martin added.
Fogging and other methods of vector control have been planned on a wide scale, and all households are asked to ensure that breeding places for mosquitoes are eliminated.
The Aedes
The doctors recommend nets over beds, long sleeves when going out in the early mornings and early evenings, and other defensive methods that prevent mosquitoes from biting.
There is no immunity against dengue; therefore, anyone can contract the disease. Given the importance of tourism to the economy of Antigua and Barbuda, every effort has to be made throughout the nation to prevent the disease from making many people sick.
A public relations campaign will commence immediately, and Cabinet voted a sum of money to enable the printing of materials, and the use of infomercials on radio and television.
The same mosquito is responsible for chikungunya and other diseases. Antigua and Barbuda was very successful in combating that painful disease.
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