Essequibo Coast teen with dengue dies after giving birth

Lanita Jacobs, a resident of Hampton Court in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), died after delivering a baby boy.
Reports are that the 19-year-old, who was eight months pregnant, was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday after she complained of feeling unwell.
She underwent an emergency C-section, and her baby is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Suddie Neonatal Department.
Jacobs was transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital, where she succumbed to complications.

According to relatives, Jacobs had been diagnosed with dengue, and she suffered severe bleeding post-surgery.
Only a week ago, an 11-year-old boy of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) succumbed whilst receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital for suspected dengue.
Kushal Doobay, who was a student of the St Anthony’s Primary School, took ill about three days prior to his death on June 26 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.
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 Health 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, 4700 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
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.