The Ministry of Well being and Wellness has confirmed a dengue fever outbreak in Barbados.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George, disclosed that the edge was reached on the finish of September, the place 518 circumstances had been recorded in comparison with the identical interval in 2022, when there have been 241 circumstances. The Ministry of Well being and Wellness classifies a case of dengue fever as each suspected and confirmed.
Of the 40 confirmed circumstances of dengue for the 12 months, 28 had been recorded in September.
“These current will increase sign the beginning of a dengue fever outbreak in Barbados in September 2023. There have been no confirmed circumstances in 2022,” the Chief Medical Officer acknowledged.
The Pan American Well being Group (PAHO) has additionally suggested that there have been outbreaks in Martinique and Guadeloupe within the Japanese Caribbean, with dengue virus serotype 2 leading to some hospitalisations. There have additionally been recorded rising circumstances within the OECS, together with Grenada. The World Well being Group just lately indicated that elevated circumstances of mosquito-borne illness had been probably in Europe, america of America and Africa, on account of local weather change (hotter, wetter and fewer dependable local weather).
Dengue fever is an acute mosquito-borne febrile sickness attributable to an infection with one of many 4 recognized dengue serotypes. It’s endemic in Barbados with occasional outbreaks.
The general public is reminded of the signs, which embrace complications, muscle and joint pains, vomiting and a attribute pores and skin rash. Most circumstances are self-limiting and restoration typically takes two to seven days.
In extreme circumstances, haemorrhagic signs and organ failure can happen, which can, once in a while, end in shock and loss of life. The chance of adversarial outcomes happens when there are a number of strains circulating. The Finest-dos Santos Public Well being Laboratory has suggested that serotypes 1, 2 and three are circulating in Barbados.
Dr George urged members of the general public to take speedy protecting actions. These embrace:
- Supply discount – elimination of websites and receptacles the place stagnant water can acquire. For instance, the overflow dishes of plant pots in properties, plant cuttings and discarded tyres,
- utilizing mosquito repellent on the pores and skin,
- sporting light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants, significantly throughout peak biting instances – nightfall and daybreak,
- utilizing mosquito nets over toddler beds, cribs, carriers and strollers,
- and putting in window and door screens to maintain out mosquitoes.
Moreover, Dr George suggested individuals who’ve an unexplained fever or exhibit any of the opposite signs talked about above, to hunt medical consideration. A blood check might be required for affirmation of dengue fever.
The Chief Medical Officer mentioned that the Ministry of Well being and Wellness will use the situation of reported suspected and confirmed dengue circumstances to tell its fogging marketing campaign. He additional suggested that any uncommon will increase in mosquito sightings needs to be reported to the environmental well being division of the closest polyclinic. So far, there have been no deaths attributed to dengue fever.