Castries – St Lucia is reporting a significant decline in the number of dengue fever cases.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, said while the country had recorded its worst dengue fever outbreak ever last year when a total 1 318 cases were confirmed by laboratory testing, over 500 suspected cases and three deaths, so far this year “only 39 cases have been recorded as compared to 2020 where 1 118 cases were recorded for the same period”.
The ministry said that despite the fact that a substantial decrease in dengue fever cases has been noted, it is asking St Lucians to continue to remain vigilant and to “practice source reduction techniques to keep your home free of mosquitoes and other vectors like rats, mice, flies and cockroaches”.
“Based on epidemiological trends from previous years, the ministry records higher cases of dengue fever during the rainy season. The Ministry of Health encourages the public to take weekly walks around their properties to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.”
The ministry is also reporting an increase in leptospirosis cases.
It said that five cases had been recorded this year compared to two cases last year.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all.
Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, red eyes and abdominal pain. (CMC)
