The ministry of health is reporting 11 deaths for the year 2023 following an outbreak of Dengue in the Americas.
Including the 11 deaths, 2169 cases have been recorded in Guyana with 239 persons hospitalized.
Back in May the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) has reported an increase in the cases recorded in 4 Caribbean countries. The centre had urged travellers to areas of risk to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
At that time the Caribbean countries on the list included Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Persons with Dengue may experience fever, eye pain in the back of the eye, muscle/joint pain, skin rash, and headache and generalized weakness. Persons affected by severe dengue may develop complications that are associated with bleeding and clotting disorders.
To ensure the adequate prevention, diagnosis and management of Dengue, the health Ministry has undertaken several actions to ease the burden of the disease in Guyana. There has been fogging, residual spraying, home inspections and distribution of larvicidal chemicals to communities through the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
Persons are also urged to do as much elimination of mosquito breeding sites, especially around homes, schools and their surroundings. Importantly, containers such as bottles, buckets and old tyres should be inspected to ensure that they are covered, punctured or removed from homes and within communities.
Cover open water tanks with a net or a cover and ensure that all extra openings are sealed.
For those persons residing in and around mining camps where malaria cases are more prevalent, the Ministry of Health advises that people sleep under treated mosquito nets which are being provided free of cost through the Vector Control Services Unit. Personal protection measures include the use of long sleeve clothing and mosquito repellents.
For more information on dengue, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, the ministry’s Vector Control Services of the Ministry of Health can be contacted on 225-8973.
