Woodpulp…Commonwealth of Dominica

COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA

FIVE REPORTED CASES OF DENGUE FEVER | DOMINICA NEWS ONLINE,

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Health officials have reported that there are five confirmed cases of Dengue Fever on the island.

National epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health Dr. Paul Ricketts said Dengue type one is currently in circulation in the country and the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) confirmed that preliminary tests are positive.

“We are experiencing an increase in the number of cases of Dengue throughout the country.  We had seven in the week before last and nine or 10 in the past weeks,” he said.

He said while most of the cases are being experienced in Roseau and environs, there have been reports in Portsmouth and other areas.

“Everyone needs to continue to be on the alert and try to destroy any potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.  They should wear long sleeves and long pants in the evenings and mornings which is when the mosquitoes tend to bite [the] most.  Use mosquitoes repellents if available and [...] seek medical attention if anyone is experiencing any fever, abnormal bleeding and pains in the joints,” Dr. Ricketts explained.

Health ministry still monitoring dengue fever situation | Dominica News Online, Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

There have been no reported cases of dengue fever on the island, according to the Ministry of Health.  [Observe the discrepancy with the previous report, below, which states "...In 2009, Dominica recorded two laboratory confirmed cases of Dengue Fever and so far in 2010 two new cases were confirmed by CAREC laboratory studies in Trinidad." ]

However Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Griffin Benjamin says there is an increase in the number persons complaining of symptoms associated with Dengue fever.

He has assured that the Ministry of Health is fully prepared in the event of a Dengue outbreak in Dominica, as they maintain [alertness] and vigilance [over] the Dengue fever situation in Dominica.

“Although we recognize that there is an increase in the number of persons [suffering] with fever and pains, there is no diagnosis with dengue cases.  Three [...] persons [...] reported with fever and pains [...] were screened positive for a virus but we don’t know if its dengue,” he said. [...]

According to Dr. Benjamin, the ministry of health dealt with the matter in 2007.

He said the district teams are meeting with various communities to educate the public on the matter.

Dengue Alert! Ministry of Health, Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Dengue Fever is the most significant vector borne disease affecting the Caribbean region, and Dominica is on the alert for an outbreak of both the Classical Dengue and the more serious Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

The Ministry of Health believes that there is an increased public health threat to Dominica especially now that the French Territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe are faced with an increase in the incidence of Dengue Fever.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Caribbean Epidemiological Centre (CAREC) is advising the region to be prepared for what could be a record year for Dengue [...]  In addition to the reports of new cases in Guadeloupe and Martinique, new cases are also reported for Puerto Rico and Miami in 2010.  In 2009, Dominica recorded two laboratory confirmed cases of Dengue Fever and so far in 2010 two new cases were confirmed by CAREC laboratory studies in Trinidad.

Dominica like other Caribbean islands is presently enjoying increased rainfall at this time.  Unfortunately, the Aedes aegypti mosquito population on the island is increasing to a level that elevates the risk of vector borne diseases.  It is with this in mind that the Ministry of Health wishes to alert the entire population of the nature and scope of the threat.

We recognize that certain environmental and sanitary conditions create excellent breeding sites for mosquitoes:

• Irregular water supply to residents,
• Poor water storage at homes and public places,
• Improper disposal of used tires,
• Improper use of water in domestic flower pots and
• The presence of garbage containers collecting water in private and public places

The Ministry of Health has developed an Integrated Management Strategy and Action Plan and is launching a public campaign to prevent and control problems related to mosquitoes.  In addition to increasing the number of inspection activities, a series of health education activities are organized to encourage and promote community participation in mosquito prevention and control work.

In order to prevent the outbreak of Dengue Fever and control the spread of the mosquito population, Communities around Dominica are asked to:

• Practice safe storage of rain water in containers that are fully covered
• Advocate for the proper disposal of old and used containers in designated areas
• Campaign for appropriate disposal of used tires in designated areas
• Monitor the water quality in domestic flower pots

The spread of Dengue Fever in Dominica is a real possibility. However, we are pleased to inform that there is no outbreak of Dengue Fever at this time.  Therefore, to prevent an outbreak, it is critical that we work with all the stakeholders such as Health Promotion Unit, Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation, Local Government, National Pest and Termite Control Ltd. and the general public.