Dengue cases continue to rise in Region 6

Dengue continues to rise in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). This is according to data coming out of the health department in the region.
There have been 471 cases recorded from tests done in the region, with 25 being recorded on Wednesday. Over the past few weeks, 58 persons had to be admitted into hospitals as a result of contracting dengue, of that number one was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital because of the severity of the symptoms.
These symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash.
The dengue virus is primarily transmitted from person to person through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. Humans are the primary host and source of the virus.
The vector Control Department of the Health Department has been visiting communities to identify yards with possible breathing places for mosquitoes.
A total of 5219 lots that were suspected to be breathing grounds for the mosquitoes have been inspected since the outbreak of the disease in the region. Some 1289 breathing sites have been identified to date.
According to Region Six Chairman David Armogan, a fogging cycle commenced on Tuesday evening. This, he pointed out, is the third cycle and it focuses on New Amsterdam and East Canje.
Armogan explained that the recent spring tide would have brought the mosquitoes from their dwelling place in the vegetation along the rivers, inland.
“We recently had a spring tide and after the water would have receded the mosquitoes would come out very heavily.”
In places like the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling and its environs, the Esplanade Park, the Berbice High Court, and the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court along with some schools, there has been an influx of mosquitoes as of Monday.
Visitors to those institutions are being swarmed by mosquitoes even at midday.
Armogan said once the fogging continues the infestation will die off.
There is no specific treatment for dengue. The focus is on treating pain symptoms. Paracetamol is often used to control pain. (G4)