Dengue Advisory
Office of The Chief Medical Officer

Basseterre, St. Kitts- The Ministry of Health, St. Kitts and Nevis has received information of an increased number of Dengue Fever cases in Trinidad and Guyana.  Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, especially those traveling to or from affected countries are asked to be guided as follows:

There are no reported cases of Dengue in St. Kitts and Nevis however since the Federation is in relatively proximity to affected areas, prevention and surveillance efforts must be given the highest priority.  

Dengue Fever is caused by Dengue Viruses which are transmitted from person to person via the bite of an infected Aedes Egyptian mosquito.  This  mosquito has distinctive black and white stripes.  It is not a swamp inhabitant but tends to live close to humans in any object that holds water. 

Dengue mosquito tends to bite mainly during the daytime.  Symptoms of Dengue Fever include fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain and a rash.

Persons may reduce the risk of contracting Dengue by carrying out the following preventive measures:   ~~Adz:Right~~

• All containers that can collect water must be emptied or destroyed.  This is the most effective way of stopping Dengue.  Pay particular attention to discarded tyres, coconut shells, cans, and flower pots.

• If necessary, apply insect repellant to the body but only after carefully reading of the instructions on the label.

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants during the day.

• Other effective measures are mosquito nets and window/door screens.

Contact your health care provider if there are questions or concerns.  Persons seeking additional information about the control of mosquitoes may contact the Environmental Health Departments in both St. Kitts and Nevis.