CARPHA urges Caribbean to prepare for possible dengue outbreak

In a recent news release from the agency, it is recalled that the last major regional epidemic of this disease occurred in 2009.

Since then, the region has experienced two major epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases, Chikungunya in 2014 and Zika in 2016.

The regional agency also announced that another regional outbreak of dengue fever was expected in the near future, given the increase in the number of cases reported last year in Latin America.

CARPHA also highlighted the recent dengue epidemic in Jamaica, which has raised concerns in other Caribbean islands.

This is why the Caribbean Public Health Agency recommends that countries in the region implement improved measures to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of disease.

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults. Its symptoms usually begin four to ten days after infection and include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain and a characteristic rash.

It can progress to severe dengue characterized by potentially fatal complications, such as internal bleeding, severe and continuous abdominal pain, persistent sensitivity and vomiting.

Not only dengue, but also other mosquito-borne diseases threaten health, tourism, social and economic development, and a collaborative effort is needed to reduce its spread.

The vector of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue, is present in all the Caribbean territories where, with the arrival of the rainy season in a few months, it is necessary to intensify the activities of mosquito control and sensitization.

Caribbean ministries of health are encouraged to: increase the number of health promotion messages to prevent mosquitoes from feeding and breeding, join the efforts of communities to eliminate hatcheries, intensify surveillance and control vectors and disseminate appropriate guidelines for clinical treatment and care.

ef / lrp / mv / cgm