BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Mar 23, CMC – Health authorities are reporting a slight increase in dengue fever since the start of this year and are appealing to Barbadians to ensure they destroy possible breeding places for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
Figures released by the Ministry of Health indicate that there were 53 confirmed dengue cases at the beginning of the year, compared to 45 cases for the first 10 weeks of the corresponding period in 2011, when there were 206 cases overall.
The health officials said the number of people hospitalised with the condition, which is spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, was also up this year compared to the previous year.
Of the 53 cases, 10 people were hospitalised, including one with dengue haemorrhagic fever. Last year only four people were hospitalized.
The Ministry of Health is urging Barbadians who are experiencing symptoms of dengue fever, including sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain or bleeding from the nose, mouth and gums, as well as frequent vomiting or difficulty breathing to seek immediate medical attention.
“To control the spread of Dengue Fever, Barbadians are reminded to check their premises for possible mosquito breeding places and to cover water containers such as buckets, small plastic containers and drums; or to dispose of them in a proper manner, in order to reduce mosquito breeding. “
The Ministry of Health also said that there was also a slight increase in cases of leptospirosis cases for the first 10 weeks of this year.
It said five cases have so far been reported as compared with two last year when 43 cases overall were recorded.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include fever, headache, chills, nausea and vomiting, eye inflammation, and muscle aches. In more severe cases, the illness can result in liver damage and jaundice kidney failure and internal bleeding.
The disease is usually spread when people come into contact with animal fluids or secretions or contaminated soil or feed.
