CPS recommends preventive actions in observing an increase of reported Dengue Cases! | SMN NEWS

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):—  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) observed a significant increase of reported Dengue Fever cases during the period of December 2nd to December 16th, 2023, as well as monitoring the developments of neighboring islands, is calling on residents to take and continue the necessary actions in eliminating mosquito breeding sites to effectively minimize mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue.
CPS has also observed cases of young children with dengue presenting with symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting. Parents are advised to be extra vigilant for these potential symptoms and consult with their general practitioner.
People become infected with dengue virus when an infected Aedes Aegyptus or Aedes albopictus mosquito feeds or bite them. Usually between four to seven (4-7) days after a bite of an infected mosquito people typically begin to show symptoms.
Persons with a fever and two or more of the following symptoms are suspected dengue cases and should be tested for confirmation: Nausea/vomiting; Rash; Myalgia/arthralgia (muscle/joint pain); Headache, retro-orbital pain (pain behind the eyes); and Petechiae (red/purple spots on skin); Leukopenia (decrease in number of white blood cells).
There are also viral respiratory illnesses (Influenza A, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) and COVID-19) circulating within the community, and it is possible to have both a respiratory infection and dengue at the same time.
The observed Dengue numbers are across several local districts and within all age categories. Dengue can become a life-threatening illness it is crucial for everyone to be aware of the symptoms and take the necessary precautions to prevent further mosquito breeding, and transmission of mosquito borne diseases.
Source reduction is the key to decreasing the mosquito population. Due to the tropical nature of our climate, breeding habitats are in abundance, and many of them are unfortunately man-made.
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of water. This is not much, and plant saucers, bottle caps or plastic shopping bags hidden amongst vegetation/shrub are some of those unassuming places that can gather a small amount and can still be a huge breeding site for your backyard mosquito.

Breeding sites include anywhere that water can settle or remain stagnant for a certain time undisturbed from garbage to your flowers/plants. This includes tin cans, old tires, empty paint cans, buckets, old saucers, flowerpots, cemetery urns/vase, old pet dishes, unused plastic swimming pools, boats on dry dock, used food containers, plastic drinking cups; plastic shopping bags or other containers or plants that collect and hold water.
Source reduction starts by covering, removing, or turning over containers, artificial artifacts, unused boats which can be potential breeding sites and properly maintain the yard and surrounding by trimming overgrown vegetation.

To read more: https://smn-news.com/index.php/st-maarten-st-martin-news/44494-cps-recommends-preventive-actions-in-observing-an-increase-of-reported-dengue-cases.html

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