by Linda Straker
- Epidemiology Week #18 indicated 20 reported cases
- 5–14 years and 25–44 years age groups mostly affected
- 50% of hospitalised cases from St Andrew parish
There is a dengue fever outbreak in Grenada; to date, 8 people have been hospitalised. 3 have been described as medically critical, meaning their vital signs are unstable and outside their normal limits.
Kelville Frederick, Public Information Officer in the Ministry of Health, said such hospitalisation is serious business. “Not from the Ministry’s standpoint but predominantly that of the homeowners dropping their guard. They are allowing mosquitoes to breed, and they are not heeding the advice of prevention,” he said during a television programme.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs issued a news release through the Government Information Service (GIS) that there is a significant increase in the number of dengue fever cases in the country.
Grenada’s acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shawn Charles, said data for Epidemiology Week #18 indicated 20 reported cases. The CMO advised that while Health Surveillance Officers and Vector Control intervention resources are deployed, measures are being taken to control further increases as the Ministry keeps a close eye on the situation.
“Current data revealed that the ages mostly affected are 5–14 years and 25–44 years,” said the release, which pointed out that 50% of the hospitalised cases of dengue fever are from the parish of St Andrew. St George and St Patrick have accounted for 25% each.
“As a consequence, the public is advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites and take all the necessary preventative measures possible. It is very important for members of the public to protect themselves by using approved insect repellants and mosquito nets and by wearing long-sleeved clothing, but most of all, it is vitally important for people to ensure that their surroundings are clean and that they destroy existing and potential mosquito breeding sites,” said the release, which called on healthcare providers to be vigilant and test persons displaying signs and symptoms of the condition.
“The Ministry of Health is appealing to people who are experiencing dengue-fever-like symptoms such as joint pain, fever, headache, intense abdominal pain, and bleeding gums, to seek medical attention and get tested as early as possible.”
Dr Charles said, “The situation is very, very serious and we need to take heed and do all that’s necessary to prevent a major outbreak.”
The mosquito that causes Dengue is a day time biting mosquito that can live indoors . There is no vaccine to prevent disease – use of repellants DEET on sun exposed skin and Permetherine sprayed on clothing / surfaces at home – bathrooms, corner of rooms, under your bed. 20 % of people have symptoms, 80 % have no symptoms. If you get bit by another strain ( there are 4 strains ) you can develop Dengue hemmoraghic fever – which can be fatal. If you have a fever DO not take asprin – as that could making bleeding issues worse/ ok to take Tylenol.
Very helpful information. Thank you!