-
by pltm
(PLTM) - In light of a dengue alert issued in the Caribbean region, residents are being warned to take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is transmitted by female mosquitoes, mainly of the species Aedes aegypti.
Symptoms include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.
Preventive measures being advised include eliminating all possible breeding places for mosquitoes around homes.
In a statement today, January 10, it was related that the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Environmental Health Division is implementing measures to prevent an outbreak of the disease in the British Virgin Islands.
“Chief Environmental Health Officer, Lionel Michael said the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Environmental Health Division, in response to the Dengue alert in the Caribbean region, is assessing its Mosquito Control Programme and increasing its campaign through education, awareness, premises inspections and various control measures,” the statement read.
The Chief Environmental Health Officer is on record as saying, “The Division respectfully requests that persons take all necessary measures to protect themselves and engage in source reduction by eliminating all breeding places by covering water containers, removing all solid waste from their premises, and reporting blocked drains.”
He further advised that persons utilize mosquito nets and window screens, and also suggested wearing long clothing and using mosquito repellent when outdoors.
Persons are also being advised to support fogging and spraying of mosquito hotspots, and if they begin to experience early signs and symptoms, they are urged to seek medical advice.
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
