10 confirmed dengue cases for February

~ Public advised to continue taking preventive measures ~

PHILIPSBURG--Ten confirmed cases of dengue fever were recorded for the month of February, the Collective Preventive Services (CPS) section of the Ministry of Public Health reported over the weekend.

CPS said three of the infected persons resided on the French side of the island.

CPS also reported four confirmed cases for the month of January, one of which was fatal.

It requested physicians to remain attentive in the diagnosis of dengue fever.

And, noting that reports of dengue fever in the Caribbean are prevalent, CPS urged residents to remain vigilant in executing measures to eradicate mosquito breeding places in their surroundings and close environment and thereby help in eradicating the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Preventive actions that every household and each resident should take include immediate removal of debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards. These are usually the main sources and breeding ground for mosquitoes and pose an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Residents should also check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, bird-baths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding, or just get rid of the container.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death. Consultation with a physician is imperative for proper treatment and registration of the dengue fever case to ensure adequate follow-up by CPS.

Anyone requiring information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of mosquito breeding, overgrown vegetation, etc. should call CPS at 542-2078/ 542-2078.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/15056-10-confirmed-dengue-cases-for-february.html

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