Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 13/Aug 17:29

Dengue cases continue to rise

HEALTH Minister Terrance Deyalsingh said there are currently 813 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue and eight deaths. During a media briefing at the ministry headquarters on Queen’s Park East on August 13, Deyalsingh said 441 notices have been issued to homeowners to clean their surroundings and the Insect Vector Control Division has sprayed 160,726 homes. Additionally, the Couva Health Facility will now function as a dengue early detection centre. Although no confirmed cases of the Oropouche virus have been reported, testing for the virus will now be conducted. Deyalsingh said there is a global increase in dengue cases, attributed to changing weather patterns and global warming. He said dengue cases have surged globally by approximately 300 per cent and now affect over 123 countries. He emphasised the need for citizens to assist in controlling the virus as confirmed cases continue to rise. On August 11, the ministry reported 712 laboratory-confirmed cases, an increase from 666 cases in the previous days. He said there is no shortage of manpower and resources and testing results are available within hours. Deyalsingh also discussed the history of dengue, noting the first confirmed case in the TT was in 1981. He stressed on the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Deyalsingh also addressed other diseases, including leptospirosis, which he said can increase as the country continues to see increase flooding. He advised avoiding contact with floodwaters and using protective measures when handling dead animals, as leptospirosis can be severe and presents symptoms similar to those of dengue and Oropouche viruses. Dengue fever may be spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito and dengue symptoms can appear within five to six days of being bitten, and last for one-two weeks. They can include: fever, headaches (sometimes severe), pain behind eyes, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea. The post Dengue cases continue to rise appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.