Trinidad and Tobago reports 13 deaths and 1315 active dengue cases amid outbreak

Trinidad and Tobago has reported another death due to the rising surge in the dengue fever outbreak, bringing the number of fatalities to 13 thus far this year. The authorities have confirmed the count of 1315 cases of dengue fever across the nation to date.

This data was unveiled by the Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, on Friday where they shed light on issuing 914 yellow fever notices to the owners and occupiers of different properties.

While emphasising the need to clean up the area, the authorities added that legal actions are being taken against 43 owners who fails to comply with the requirements to be followed to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

The Ministry of Health noted that the main reason behind this dengue outbreak is the bite of infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito which results around 5-6 days to show its symptoms. The symptoms of this includes, muscle and joint pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches, skin rash and many others.

Aedes Aegypti is the yellow fever mosquito that can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, Mayaro and yellow fever viruses, and other disease agents. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers that hold water, like, bowls, buckets, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases.

These mosquitoes become infected with dengue virus when they bite a person infected with the virus. Such Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through their bites.

Moreover, the Ministry also shared some of the essential tips for people to follow in order to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The measures asked all the residents to dispose of items that can collect water such as derelict vehicles or appliances.

They also have asked the citizens to cover water containers like tanks and barrels with mosquito-proof coverings.

The Ministry of Health also advised the citizens to cut down overgrown vegetation that may shelter mosquitoes and clean drains and gutters to prevent water stagnation.  Mosquito larvae live in standing water, and larvae require only a few quantities of water. even something as small as a puddle of water on a discarded plastic bag can house them.

The authorities also asked all the countrymen to dispose of all their unwanted articles, such as tires, which can collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds.

The citizens have also been advised to use mosquito nets and insect repellent for their personal protection. They noted that people need to be vigilant as it is the only effective way to curb the spread of dengue.