Dengue Fever Alert: Is Your Community Prepared?

The Ministry of Health is calling on the public to take protective measures against dengue fever in light of a recent outbreak in the Western Division, declared last month. This increase in cases coincides with the heavy rain and flooding that resulted from Tropical Cyclone Rae, creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

Overall, there have been 2,436 reported cases of dengue nationwide between January 1 and February 23 this year, with the Western Division alone accounting for 1,411 laboratory-confirmed cases. The Central Division has reported 559 cases, the Northern Division 419 cases, and the Eastern Division recorded 47 cases. Such trends highlight the urgent need for preventative action as the Western Division continues to lead in case counts.

In response, health officials are implementing a series of public health interventions, including house-to-house surveillance, larval sampling, the use of larvicides, and adult mosquito spraying. Additionally, cleanup campaigns are being organized to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of public awareness programs to educate the community about protective measures against dengue fever. Environmental Health Officers are also conducting site inspections and have been authorized to issue penalties for properties infested with mosquitoes, reinforcing the need for community responsibility in managing public health.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, adhere to health advisories regarding dengue and leptospirosis disseminated through various media channels, and seek immediate medical assistance if symptoms appear. Symptoms can range from mild headaches and fever to more severe manifestations such as hemorrhagic fevers.

Efforts to manage this outbreak are in collaboration with divisional health teams trained in outbreak response, stemming from proactive health strategies developed during the previous year’s preparatory training. The Ministry’s commitment to controlling the spread of dengue establishes an optimistic outlook, fostering community engagement and encouraging preventive action during this critical period. Together, these initiatives aim to protect public health and limit the impact of the current outbreak.