Spike in dengue cases
reported on Dutch side
~23 cases in first three weeks of Sept ~
PHILIPSBURG--A spike in the number of dengue cases recorded in September has prompted authorities to reiterate their call for residents to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding in their environs.
A new fogging schedule has also been announced (see related story). SHCA’s Dengue Action Response Team (DART) announced on Thursday that 23 lab confirmed dengue cases have been recorded during the first three weeks of September. The figures include Dutch side registered residents who were tested at French side labs, DART was quoted as saying in a press release issued by Government Information Services (GIS).
Nine cases were recorded in August. An average of two cases is usually recorded at the Dutch side lab during this period.
“The number of dengue fever cases for the month of September is not confined to one geographical area, as was the case for the month of August, where the majority of cases were in the residential area of St. Johns,” DART said. “Residents are strongly advised to continue to take urgent preventative measures against mosquito breeding in order to stem any further increase in the number of dengue cases on the island.
The DART team said it has scaled up its response actions based on the “dramatic increase” in the number of cases reported. “The Hygiene Department inspectors will be carrying out on the spot checks and taking immediate vector control measures and residents are therefore requested to give their full cooperation.”
The increase in the number of dengue cases has been attributed to a number of factors, such as better reporting; the rainy season; observed increase in the number of areas with stagnant water; and overgrown vegetation. Various measures are being taken to mitigate the increase in the number of dengue cases; however, the communities support is essential,” it was stated in the release. “Every household has to take urgent measures to limit the breeding ground for mosquitoes,” DART said.
Symptoms of dengue fever are a sudden onset of high fever; severe headache (mostly in the forehead); pain behind the eyes, which worsens with eye movement; body aches and joint pains; nausea or vomiting; rash in some cases; an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, and loss of appetite. Persons with these symptoms are being asked to consult their general physician.
The Hygiene and Veterinary Affairs Department and the Public Works Department urges residents and contractors of building sites to take immediate measures to prevent mosquito breeding.
“Debris, old tyres and stagnant water in yards are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes, bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Residents are therefore strongly advised to take immediate action, making sure there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; disposing responsibly of old tyres, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses. Where stagnant water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding.
“In case containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these covered. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.
“Persons or businesses making use of the landfill in Philipsburg for the dumping of barrels, buckets or anything that can hold water should cut holes into the items to avoid the accumulation of water.”
Persons who require additional information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or persons who want to report areas of stagnant water, overgrown vegetation etc should immediately call the Hygiene Department at tel. 542-2079.
