St Kitts and Nevis records 185 dengue cases

The Ministry of Health St Kitts and Nevis reported that the country has recorded 187 new confirmed cases of Dengue- a mosquito borne illness.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) continue its Integrated Vector Management to control the mosquitos and the spread of Dengue. The Ministry’s vector control includes some strategies that will help them deal with this disease. It includes,

– Environment management

– Source reduction

– Minimize individual exposure

– Reduce vector populations

It is to be noted that these measures are being used as an effort to remove potential mosquito breeding sites. The Ministry of Health’s environmental health officers will also visit the homes in the communities.

A person experiencing continuous abdominal pain, mucosal bleeding and constant vomiting is suggested to visit medical care at the nearest hospital. Moreover, the Ministry has shared some effective ways to get rid of mosquito bites and avoid getting Dengue, such as,

1. Wear protective clothing like long pants and long-sleeved tops.
2. One should include the application of topical mosquito repellent to exposed skin or clothing, especially during outdoor activities.
3. Use door screens and windows to reduce the chances of mosquitos entering the house.
4. Regularly change and replenish water in vases.
5. Restock and change pet animals’ drinking containers
6. Keep trimming the grass, vegetation and lawn.
7. Disposing of all bottles, cans and water-holding containers in homes, schools and offices
8. Report any body of stagnant water to the local Health Department.
9. Seek immediate medical care at the nearest health facility in terms of joint pains, rash, fever and pain behind the eyes.
10. Report any body of stagnant water to the local Health Department.

Dengue: A Flu-like disease

Notably, Dengue is like a flu illness that can affect anybody. Initially, symptoms begin from four to ten days after being bitten by a dengue-affected mosquito. The symptoms further involve headaches, fever, eye pain, skin rashes, muscle and joint pain.

This viral disease can evolve into severe Dengue, characterized by haemorrhagic/bleeding manifestations, hypotensive shock, low platelet counts and vascular leakage.

It is to be noted that there are four different serotypes of Dengue such as DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. St Kitts and Nevis is currently suffering from the DENV-2 and DENV-3 dengue outbreak.