Dengue on the decline in St. Kitts-Nevis

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-A release from the Ministry of Health issued yesterday (Dec. 30) has indicated the number of Dengue fever cases reported in the Federation has decreased in recent weeks, though the general public is still being asked to be vigilant of the disease.

“Practitioners continue to report confirmed Dengue cases but at a lower level compared to three weeks ago. Interpretation: There is a downward trend in the number of new cases,” the release stated.

Despite this positive turn of events, the Ministry of Health advised the general public to remain on guard against the insect carried disease, particularly during the Carnival season.

“The Aedes Egypti mosquito that spreads dengue viruses remains active because of the ongoing levels of rainfall, and the continued indiscriminate littering by misguided members of the community.  The festive season has increased the volume of containers that potentially provide the breeding grounds for the dengue mosquito.”

As stated in previous releases, the general public has been urged to continue to “identify and eliminate dengue mosquito breeding sites in and around households”.

“Pots, pans, cans, Styrofoam containers and tyres are particular dengue mosquito hotspots that must be destroyed and properly disposed of with immediate effect and at all costs,” the ministry informed. ~~Adz:Right~~

The eradication of breeding sites is seen by the Ministry of Health to be the most useful way of dealing with the Aedes Egypti mosquito, as “area spraying against the adult mosquitoes is less effective and useless in windy conditions”.

Additionally, the release advised the public to be aware that January and February are typically months of increased Influenza activity, which has similar symptoms to Dengue fever.

“‘Flu’ symptoms may be similar to Dengue except pain behind the eyes and bleeding.  Trained and experienced nurses and doctors can tell the difference by listening to the patient's story and performing the appropriate physical examination,” the ministry’s release stated.

Because Influenza is an airbourne virus that has no cure, persons are being asked to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

“The best protection against the ‘Flu’ (and any disease) includes good spiritual health, positive mental attitude, rest, moderate exercise, and a balanced nutrition based on fresh fruits, vegetables and provisions.”

The Ministry of Health also recommended vaccinations as an apt preventative measure, but advised that if the vaccine administered does not match the strain of Influenza it would be ineffective.