The islands of Guadeloupe in the Leeward Islands has reported the first confirmed dengue fever cases since April 2016, according to the regional health agency (ARS) this past week.
ARS has reported five confirmed cases in Abymes, Pointe à Pitre, Guava and 2 in Petit Bourg. In addition, one case was confirmed in St. Martin.
The circulating serotype is DEN1 (type 1 virus). No patient was hospitalized.
Health officials are taking this seriously as they say the fear of an epidemic of this disease is a reality.
Importance of precautions to take: Protect yourself from mosquito bites, clean surroundings close to homes to eliminate mosquito and consult a doctor in case of signs and symptoms (fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, etc).
Dengue is a viral disease spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, pain in the eyes, joints, and muscles, and minor bleeding. If you are bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms can take up to 2 weeks to develop but usually last less than a week. In severe cases, symptoms may include hemorrhage, shock, organ failure, and death.
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- PAHO on malaria: ‘Efforts must be stepped-up where incidences of the disease have increased’
