[UPDATED] Couva Hospital now early dengue-detection centre

HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh says there are currently 813 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue and eight deaths.

During a media briefing at the ministry on Queen’s Park East, PoS, on August 13, Deyalsingh said 441 notices have been issued to homeowners to clean their surroundings and the Insect Vector Control Division has sprayed 160,726 homes.

Additionally, the Couva Health Facility will now function as a dengue early-detection centre.

Although no confirmed cases of the Oropouche virus have been reported, testing for the virus will now be done. The oropouche is a viral infection transmitted to humans by small insects such as flies, mites, ants and ticks. The virus was first detected in 1955 near the Oropouche River in Trinidad.

Deyalsingh said there was a global increase in dengue cases, attributed to changing weather patterns and global warming. He said dengue cases have surged globally by approximately 300 per cent and now affect over 123 countries.

He emphasised the need for the public to help control the virus as confirmed cases continue to rise.

On August 11, the ministry reported 712 laboratory-confirmed cases, an increase from 666 cases in the previous days.

He said there is no shortage of manpower and resources and testing results are available within hours.

Deyalsingh also discussed the history of dengue, before stressing the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Deyalsingh also addressed other diseases, including leptospirosis, which he said could increase as the country continues to see increased flooding.

He advised avoiding contact with floodwaters and using protective measures when handling dead animals, as leptospirosis could be severe and presents symptoms similar to those of dengue and Oropouche viruses.

Dengue fever may be spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito and dengue symptoms can appear within five to six days of being bitten, and last for one-two weeks.

They can include: fever, headaches (sometimes severe), pain behind eyes, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea.

In a WhatsApp conversation with Deyalsingh later that day, Newsday asked if the Couva Hospital has enough staff to deal with any increase in patients, and if not, where would additional staff be sourced, to which Deyalsingh responded, "As we mentioned this morning, there is enough staff."

Medical chief of staff at the North Central Regional Health Association Dr Ravi Lalla said the Couva Hospital will act as an “early interface with the healthcare sector and early assessments, interventions, screenings, and reviews will be conducted at the facility.“

Lalla said staff would educate patients on the virus as well as monitor, measure and intervene on an individual basis.

Emergency medical care specialist Dr Joanne Paul said children are among the most vulnerable individuals in TT and urged parents not to take any chances with their child's health.

She explained that children present symptoms different from those of adults. For instance, children may exhibit a rash, persistent vomiting and fever, but they might also show more neurological symptoms and intense abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side. In contrast, adults experience more general body pain.

Paul said children also have muscle pain, growth pain, and discomfort behind the eyes.

"If your child is lethargic, has high fever, is vomiting with any pain, or has a rash on the palm or sole of their feet, seek medical attention. Those are different signs to look out for."

She stressed staying hydrated is key, especially during the first seven days of the illness.

"It is critical to monitor children closely, particularly when the fever breaks, as this is a high-risk period for severe complications."

Paul said even after the dengue fever breaks, people should not assume the worst is over and described the two days after that as a "live or die" period.

She said continuous monitoring and medical consultation are essential to manage the risks associated with dengue fever effectively.

She highlighted a shift in dengue patterns, saying adolescents and young adults are now increasingly affected, potentially due to secondary infections.

She urged everyone, especially those in these age groups, to stay vigilant and seek medical care promptly if symptoms persist or worsen.

With reporting by KRISTEN-LE CHELLE WINCHESTER

This story was originally published with the title "Dengue cases continue to rise" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has said there are currently 813 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue and eight deaths.

During a media briefing at the ministry on Queen’s Park East, Port of Spain, on August 13, Deyalsingh said 441 notices have been issued to homeowners to clean their surroundings and the Insect Vector Control Division has sprayed 160,726 homes.

Additionally, the Couva Health Facility will now function as a dengue early detection centre

Deyalsingh said there is a global increase in dengue cases, attributed to changing weather patterns and global warming. He said dengue cases have surged globally by approximately 300 per cent and now affect over 123 countries.

He emphasised the need for the public to help control the virus as confirmed cases continue to rise.

On August 11, the ministry reported 712 laboratory-confirmed cases, an increase from 666 cases in the previous days.

He said there is no shortage of manpower and resources and testing results are available within hours.

Deyalsingh stressed  the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Deyalsingh also addressed other diseases, including leptospirosis, which he said could increase as the country continues to see increased flooding.

He advised avoiding contact with floodwaters and using protective measures when handling dead animals, as leptospirosis can be severe and presents symptoms similar to those of the dengue and Oropouche viruses.

Dengue fever may be spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito and dengue symptoms can appear within five to six days of being bitten, and last for one-two weeks.

They can include: fever, headaches (sometimes severe), pain behind eyes, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea.