Persons asked to be on the alert
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER (CMO) Dr. Patrick Martin has informed that while there is no outbreak of Dengue Fever, persons should be on the alert and take preventative measures given that this is the rainy season.
It has been rumoured that there was an outbreak of Dengue Fever and a number of persons were treated over the past week for severe cases.
SKNVibes contacted the CMO who said there is no outbreak, but there are a number of reported cases each year which are to be expected.
"Every year we have several cases of Dengue and that is because we have the mosquitoes and we have water. People are storing water inside and outside of their homes and that is where the mosquitoes breed. So every year we have Dengue Fever cases," he explained.
He also explained that an outbreak is where the number of cases surpasses the expectation, adding that "currently there has been no increase".
The CMO informed that the mosquitoes breed inside people's yards where they have water and noted that this is the rainy season and water is easily stored in containers left inside and on the outskirts of person's homes.
Dr. Martin emphasised that this type of mosquito is not one that breeds in swamps but in areas where water is stored, including pots and pans.
"The Dengue mosquito is not a swamp mosquito. It breeds in pots and pans and coconut shells and Styrofoam dishes that people have inside their home and in their yards and in the neighbour’s yard. We are asking persons to search inside their homes and in neighbouring lots for any container that can sort water. Turn them over, bag them...destroy them so that the mosquitoes cannot breed."
Dr. Martin explained that the signs of Dengue are fever and rash all over one’s body. He said the classic cases are pain behind the eyes and in the joints.
He said that if a person has fever alone, there is no need to see a doctor but they could instead stay at home and take pharmacetemol and not aspirin.
Dr. Martin explained that the reason for this is because aspirin could make one bleed and Dengue can also cause bleeding.
He revealed that many persons get Dengue but do not know, noting that "sometimes it's just the fever alone. It lasts a couple of days and then they are okay. It is only a few persons that develop complications".
"There is no outbreak situation but be on the alert. It's the rainy season so we must be on the alert anyway," Dr. Martin advised.
