11-year-old awaiting NGSA results dies from dengue fever

An 11-year-old boy of Bartica Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) succumbed whilst receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital for suspected dengue.
The child has been identified as 11-year-old Kushal Doobay who was a student of the St. Anthony’s Primary School. The lad reported took ill about three days prior to his demise and had to be admitted to the Bartica Regional Hospital but after his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital to conduct several tests.

The child arrived at the city hospital on Sunday where he received immediate medical attention.
“Since he went in they did not leave his side throughout the night into the morning, they were talking to each other trying to see the best at least that is what I see,” the child’s father Ajay Doobay stated.
According to him, several tests were conducted on Kushal which revealed that the child had dengue fever and pneumonia in his stomach and was having difficulty breathing. After spending a day at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the child unfortunately succumbed.
The father noted that his son was awaiting his National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results. He added that his son’s death is a major to the family. The aggrieved father stated that they are coming to grips with reality – one that he feels cannot be accepted.
Only recently, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony stated that 398 persons were hospitalised with dengue for 2024 thus far.
In an interview with the media on Friday last, he stated that the Ministry has conducted over 18,000 tests this year to monitor and control the spread of this dangerous mosquito-borne disease. Out of these tests, 4,700 individuals were found to be positive for dengue. Despite these efforts, the virus has resulted in four fatalities due to dengue-related complications.
Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates
However, there are signs that the situation may be improving in the country and according to Dr Anthony in the past week, there have been fewer than ten new hospital admissions, indicating a possible decrease in new cases.
As such, public health officials are intensifying their efforts to combat the outbreak. The Health Ministry is urging residents to take preventive measures seriously. These include eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, using mosquito repellent, and ensuring homes are properly screened to prevent mosquito entry.
The ministry stated that early detection and treatment are key in managing dengue. Residents who experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, or mild bleeding are advised to seek medical attention immediately.