from Government Information Service
edited by Israel
Virgin Islands (Br.)
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is acting to control the spread of Dengue Fever following an increase of new cases in the Territory during the last five weeks.
Dr. Irad Potter (CMO)
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter said eight (8) positive cases were diagnosed between June 1 and July 7, six (6) females and tw0 (2) males between the ages of 7 and 35. “The public is advised to take protective measures to prevent themselves or family members from contracting the disease,” Dr. Potter said.
The Chief Medical Officer noted that it is important for medical attention to be sought as soon as signs and symptoms of Dengue Fever are evident. General symptoms include fever, frontal headache, pain behind the eyes (also known as retro-orbital pain), and muscle and joint pain. Some persons may develop a rash.
Dr. Potter is encouraging residents to take basic measures to help limit the breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread the Dengue virus.
Residents are reminded that mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. The Chief Medical Officer also advised that the water in flower pots should be replaced with dirt or that containers should be cleaned and scrubbed regularly.
Cisterns should also be covered and outlets screened, while downspouts should be covered with mosquito netting or other suitable covering.
The Chief Medical Officer has also called on residents to ensure the proper disposal of items such as old tires or receptacles that can gather water that can create the ideal environment for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to multiply.
Dengue fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Feverare acute febrile diseases, found in the tropics, and caused by four closely related virus serotypes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that two fifths of the world’s population is now at risk from Dengue. The WHO also estimates that there may be 50 million cases of Dengue infection worldwide every year.
Original BVIGIS release: bvinewsonline
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