913 cases of dengue fever from January to April this year

The Ministry of Health has revealed that there were 913 cases of Dengue Fever from January to April this year.

Permanent Secretary for Health Philip Davies says that there was one dengue-associated death during this period.

He says they are concerned about the rising incident of dengue fever which has now reached an outbreak level.

Davies says during the same time last year, 278 cases of dengue were notified to the Ministry.

He says of the 913 cases of dengue reported so far this year, over 85% were from the Western and Central divisions.

Davies says everyone should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

National Adviser for Communicable Diseases Dr Mike Kama says there is no cure for dengue fever.

Dr Kama says dengue can be treated at home with paracetamol, rehydration and rest where full recovery may take 3 to 10 days.

He says dengue with worrying symptoms needs hospital admission for secondary clinical care.

Dr Kama says from January to date, 90% of the total dengue cases were seen and treated at the outpatient clinics around the country whilst the remaining 10% required hospital admission for treatment.

He says the symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscles and joint pains, fatigue, vomiting and skin rash.

Dr Kama says mosquito surveillance activities have been enhanced and mosquito spraying commenced in February in high risk areas around the country.