IN response to a surge in dengue cases, Region Two has intensified efforts to protect residents from this infectious disease, characterised by high fevers, headaches, rashes, and body pain.
Senior Environmental Health Officer and Coordinator of Vector Control Activities in Region Two, Shaleena Jaigobind, highlighted the region’s comprehensive strategy, including continuous fogging, abate distribution, residual spraying, and educational campaigns.
Jaigobind stressed the critical role of environmental cleanliness in controlling the spread of dengue. She urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and avoid clogged trenches and overgrown areas. “We have our officers visiting various villages to educate residents on maintaining clean surroundings and encouraging them to dispose of unused receptacles,” she said.
The region has launched extensive cleanup campaigns in various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and continues fogging operations from Queenstown and Good Hope to Aurora, and from Mainstay to Lima Sands. Outreach efforts have also extended to various Amerindian communities.
Senior Medical Registrar and Infectious Disease Specialist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Shazeema Shaw explained that dengue is a flu-like illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. She emphasised the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites around homes, noting that a person can be infected with dengue up to four times. “No mosquito means no dengue, and residents need to act now to eradicate breeding sites,” she advised.
Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, headaches, eye pains, muscle pains, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and generalised fatigue, with a rash often appearing within a few days. (Indrawattie Natram)