Enews.tc

Ministry of Health and Human Services
Public Notice
Public Announcement

The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) would like to inform the public of the occurrence
of Dengue Fever cases here in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). As of today, 21st October 2011 there
are five (5) known cases of Dengue Fever that have been confirmed by rapid test as well as two clinically
suspected cases (based on their signs and symptoms). Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) and Pan
American Health Organization (PAHO) guidelines continue to be utilized during the surveillance and
intervention phases.
Dengue or Dengue Fever is a flu-like illness caused by a virus that is spread to humans by the bite of an
infected Aedes aegypti mosquito which is found in TCI. A mosquito becomes infected with the Dengue
virus when it bites a person who has the virus in their blood. A person can only become infected if bitten
by an infected mosquito. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person.
The signs and symptoms of Dengue Fever are: high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle
and joint pain, mild bleeding (usually in the nose or gums), easy bruising and a rash, which usually
appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are also common.
The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Although most
Dengue Fever infections result in a relatively mild illness, some persons such as older children and adults
are usually sicker than young children. Dengue Fever infection can also sometimes progress to a severe
form of Dengue known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the
above mentioned signs and symptoms, please report to your nearest health facility immediately and avoid
taking aspirin for any related or similar signs or symptoms.
The MOH is carrying out a three-fold strategic approach to control and prevent the spread of Dengue
Fever; increased Surveillance at all Health Care facilities, enhanced Mosquito Control and Prevention
Measures conducted by the Environmental Health Department and an ongoing Health Communication
and Education Campaign to increase public awareness about Dengue Fever; how to recognize it, how to
prevent mosquito breeding and how to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Kindly note that there is no need for alarm and no restrictions have been placed on travel to and from the
Dengue affected regions/countries. However, the MOH advises the public to take precautions when
travelling to Dengue affected countries and try to avoid mosquito bites at all times. We also urge you to
be aware of the signs and symptoms of Dengue Fever.
Additional precautions to prevent and control the spread of Dengue Fever in TCI
Avoid mosquito bites here in TCI and when traveling to areas where Dengue occurs Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (avoid leaving drums/barrels with water uncovered and get rid of stagnant water as water sitting stagnant for 4 days or more will quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes) Pour small amounts of oil (kerosene, cooking oil, brake fluid oil) in stagnant water near homes to prevent mosquito breeding. Fix screens on windows and doors to prevent indoor mosquito invasions Ensure your windows and doors are closed tightly especially at dusk and dawn Stay in air-conditioned or screened areas when indoors Use bed nets if sleeping areas are not screened or air-conditioned Use mosquito repellents on skin and clothing especially when going outdoors Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks when outdoors during times that mosquitoes are biting Report your travel history to your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of Dengue

Source: http://www.enews.tc/sites/default/files/files/DengueFeverUpdate.pdf