Dengue cases climb to 560

The Health Ministry is reporting that as at September 8 there were 560 suspected cases of dengue fever across the island.

The ministry says this is fewer than the 887 cases for all of 2011 and the 3,202 incidents in 2010 when there was an outbreak.
 
However, the ministry says it is continuing activities to reduce the mosquito population across the island.

Director of Health Promotion and Protection, Dr Kevin Harvey says the measures include community-based health education and promotion, source reduction (treatment and destruction of breeding sites) and an increase in fogging activities.
 
“All parishes have been conducting these activities which will continue into this weekend," said Harvey.

He says usually there is a spike in dengue cases at this time of the year but he expects to see a break in the trend given the intensified activities.

Dengue fever is spread when an Aedes Aegypti mosquito bites an infected person and then bites others.

Dengue Symptoms

Fever and possibly a rash, pain behind the eyes, joint pain and muscle weakness.

*Persons who have been infected with more than one of the four types of dengue can develop Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever which comes with bleeding, palpitations, a drop in blood pressure, severe weakness and can lead to shock. 

*If you suspect that you may have Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, visit your doctor or the nearest health centre immediately.

*Persons with symptoms of dengue fever or Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever should not take aspirin.
  
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