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News
One person dies from dengue haemorrhagic fever
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
JAMAICA has recorded its first death from dengue haemorrhagic fever, the Ministry of Health said yesterday.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Sheila Campbell Forrester, in expressing condolence to the family members of the individual, who resided in Manchester, yesterday urged persons to be vigilant in identifying and destroying mosquito breeding sites.
"Look for anything in which water can settle and either cover it, keep the area dry, clean it regularly, fill it with soil or sand, punch holes into it or recycle or dispose of it," the chief medical officer said.
"As much as possible, persons should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using insect repellent, mosquito nets, mosquito destroyers or putting screens on windows and doors," a health ministry statement added.
Jamaica has so far recorded 120 confirmed cases of dengue fever, including three cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever, the ministry said.
"Dengue can only be transmitted when an Aedes aegypti mosquito bites an infected person and then bites another. It is therefore important that we take steps to prevent the breeding of this mosquito and protect ourselves from being bitten by mosquitoes," said Dr Campbell Forrester.
She added: "Persons who have had dengue at least once before are susceptible to getting dengue haemorrhagic fever. It is therefore very important that persons who feel they may have this more severe form go to the nearest hospital immediately."
Symptoms of dengue fever include severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle pains, joint or bone pains, skin rash and nausea. In addition to the symptoms of dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever usually presents skin bruising, bleeding from the nose, mouth or gums; severe and continuous stomach pains; pale, cold and clammy skin; difficulty breathing; fainting and vomiting.
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8/31/2010
Alessandro don't hold your breath, the MinIster of Health is clueless as to what needS to happen to bring this Dengue thing under control. There is no comprehensive plan as it relates to vector control. I wouldn't be suprised if he didn't know whether Dengue is cause by mosquitoes or by butterflies. No priority is placed on the environment and the citizens don't help either, they engage in behaviors that breed more mosquitos. God helps us!
R. Edwards NYC
betterlifeforjamaicans@yahoo.com
8/31/2010
Now that someone has died from dengue, when are the authorities going to start spraying? I live in the Charlemont area of Linstead and we have not been sprayed in over 6 months and the mosquitoes are killing us. My baby girl is constantly getting bit and no spray, vape or coils is doing anything. In Ewarton the mosquitoes are so friendly they will kiss you on your lips or cheek when you visit. We need to have the area sprayed at least let us see what our tax dollars are doing!
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