CARPHA sounds dengue warning

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) said it has increased reports of dengue outbreaks with hospitalisations and deaths in some instances, and recently confirmed cases of Zika, and chikungunya at its medical microbiology laboratory based in Trinidad and Tobago.

Concerned about the findings, CARPHA has called on member states such as Jamaica to take action to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

“The region of the Americas has seen a two-hundred-fold increase in suspected dengue cases in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Member states are encouraged to remain vigilant. It is crucial that surveillance, prevention and control measures are boosted to reduce the transmission of arboviruses in the Caribbean,” stated Dr Lisa Indar, ad interim executive director at CARPHA.

Dr Horace Cox, head of vector-borne diseases at CARPHA, noted that viral infections such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

“With the start of the hurricane season, CARPHA is urging its member states to strengthen integrated vector management strategies in their communities. These include the elimination of mosquito breeding sites with the aim of reducing the number of mosquito larvae,” Cox said.

CARPHA said that greater effort should be placed on mosquito control activities in communities, and these should be intensified. CARPHA urges its member states to review their preparedness and response plans, as well as to continue surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely care of arboviral disease cases, to prevent complications leading to hospitalisations and deaths.

Jamaica’s health minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, told The Sunday Gleaner that CARPHA’s call is a “timely one”. He said that his ministry is conscious of the need to eradicate the potential for mosquito breeding.

life-threatening

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of the dengue virus last September due to an increase in cases throughout the island. Infection with dengue virus can result in no symptoms, mild, or severe illness. Severe dengue can be life-threatening. Symptom of dengue fever include nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, muscle and joint pains. There is no specific treatment for dengue.

“After an event such as this one, Hurricane Beryl, they would normally be settled in various places, and the likelihood of mosquito breeding has more than increased,” the minister said.

He said that vector control teams across the island will be doing their best to educate the public about the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, while at the same time carrying out activities to destroy breeding sites.

“We were doing it before, but now that the rains have come, we know that there is going to be a greater need for it,” Tufton said.

In the meantime, Rajesh Ragoo, senior technical officer for Vector-Borne Diseases at CARPHA, stated: “Community involvement is essential in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. Tufton, too, has called on persons to play their part in fighting mosquito-borne diseases.

“No matter how much fogging is done, or the presence of vector control workers, they alone will not be able to do it. It is going to take a countrywide approach, so I want to just reach out to Jamaicans far and wide; look around your house, look within your house ... and please try to destroy those breeding sites. If it is potable water you are using for domestic purpose, cover the drums and tanks because you will see increased population of mosquitoes and that means uncreased risk for dengue,” Tufton said.

Ways to reduce risk

of contracting

mosquito-borne diseases

• Check and remove standing water from around your home. Ensure your surroundings are clean and free of materials or containers that can accumulate water around your homes and communities.

• Use of wire-mesh/screens on doors and windows also help in reducing the entry of mosquitoes into homes.

• Water storage drums and tanks must be properly covered and inspected periodically to ensure that there is no breeding. Roof gutters should also be cleaned to prevent water from pooling.

The mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. Personal preventative measures to minimise mosquito bites are also extremely important. Vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, older adults, and women who are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, must be extra cautious.

* Wear long-sleeved clothing

* Use repellents containing DEET, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus.