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Posted: Thursday 27 November, 2008 at 11:49 AM

    Lab tests confirm dozens of Dengue Fever cases in SKN

     

    By Ryan Haas
    Reporter-SKNVibes.com

     

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-WEEKS of speculation on the existence of Dengue Fever in the Federation were affirmed yesterday evening (Nov. 26) when the Ministry of Health stated in a press release that over two dozen cases of the disease have been found.

     

    According to the release, “a number of tests were sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) lab for confirmation” by the Ministry of Health, and those tests have finally returned with a positive result.

     

    Rumours of residents suffering from the symptoms of Dengue Fever were first addressed by the Ministry of Health on September 23 after an upsurge in the number of reported cases in Trinidad and Guyana.

     

    That advisory stated that there were “no reported cases of Dengue in St. Kitts and Nevis [but] since the Federation is in relatively proximity to affected areas, prevention and surveillance efforts must be given the highest priority”.

     

    Anecdotal reports of the disease then spread like wildfire shortly after the torrential rainfall of Hurricane Omar created numerous pools of standing water in St. Kitts-Nevis—a major breeding ground for Dengue Fever’s top carrier, mosquitoes.

     

    ~~Adz:Right~~The Ministry of Health attempted to allay fears of the disease with a November 1 release which stated that there still had been no confirmed cases, but it did go on to note that a “number of persons [were] presenting to medical practitioners with fever, pain and other symptoms and signs suggesting Dengue Virus infection”.

     

    The final confirmation of Dengue Fever after the CAREC tests means that “the mosquito that spreads dengue viruses remains highly active” in the Federation, the ministry’s release said.

     

    It was further stated that individuals should make it their top priority to “eradicate” mosquito breeding grounds on and around their property by draining any standing water and contacting the Environmental Health Department through their local health center if assistance is required.

     

    Additionally, anyone suffering from Dengue symptoms such as “fever with severe headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and pain behind the eyes” may take care of themselves at home, but should not use aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain.

     

    Affected persons should seek immediate medical attention if they show signs of weakness and/or bleeding.

     

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