Dengue cases cross 900

THE number of dengue cases has jumped to 911, an increase of 86 since the last update from the Ministry of Health on August 16.

In its latest update the ministry said the number of deaths (eight) remains the same.

The most recent dengue victim is believed to be eight-year-old Nelisha Sophia Narine of New Grant. Nelisha died on August 14 at the San Fernando General Hospital after suffering from dengue fever for several days.

An autopsy on August 15 said she died of presumptive dengue shock syndrome with gastrointestinal haemorrhage de novo diabetes mellitus.

She is believed to be this country's youngest dengue victim.

The ministry said it is continuing its clampdown on negligent property owners and added it intends to take more than a dozen of them to court for refusing to comply with health notices.

“As at August 21, a total of 503 yellow fever notices have been issued to property owners/occupiers, directing them to clean up their surroundings. Of this, 16 property owners/occupiers have, thus far been identified for the consideration/institution of legal proceedings for non-compliance.”

The ministry said the best way to reduce the number of cases was to get rid of mosquito breeding sites and potential breeding grounds.

People can report overgrown areas via WhatsApp at 766-4199.

Cause and symptoms

The ministry continues to remind the public that the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito can spread dengue fever.

Symptoms include fever, headaches (sometimes severe), eye pain, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, nausea or vomiting and diarrhoea and can appear within five to six days of being bitten and last for one-two weeks.