More than 200 suspected cases of dengue-like illnesses have been reported so far from the surveillance sentinel sites in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province.
A statement from the Ministry of Health early this week said the system has picked up resurgence in dengue-like illness.
In light of the increasing cases, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (HMS) and World Health Organisation (WHO) continue to monitor the situation and are currently investigating reported cases.
In response, the Ministry of Health Emergency Operation Centre (MHEOC) has been convened, resulting in enhanced disease surveillance and reporting, response, preparedness and assessment at NRH and clinics.
“Including preparation for mosquito control and social mobilization activities in Honiara and Guadalcanal Provinces,” said Dr.Christopher Becha, Under Secretary/Health Improvement and Chairman of the MHEOC.
Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of virus which can be transmitted by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
An infected mosquito can bite and infect other people. The mosquito bites during the day time usually at dawn (morning) to dusk (evening).
The mosquito lays its eggs in flower pots, water containers around house, including tins, cans, old tyres, clogged rain water gutters, drums, tree holes and other rubbish.
Dengue fever patients usually present with signs and symptoms such as headache, fever, pain upon moving eyes, severe joint, nausea and muscle pain, swollen glands, skin rash and bleeding from the gums and nose.
The key preventive measures to be taken are:-
1. Public are advised to continue to do the cleaning up around their houses and extend the clean up to the hard to reach places like (tree holes, clogged guttering).
2. Use bed net for small babies and insect repellent to prevent mosquito bite.
3. Destroy all mosquitoes breeding sites such as empty water-filled containers around house, including tins, cans, bottles, old tyres, clogged rain water gutters, drums, flower pots and other uncollected rubbish.
4. Practice proper rubbish management or proper rubbish segregation.
5. Put screen on windows and door to prevent mosquitoes from coming into the house.
Dengue Fever Home Care Instructions.
a. Give Paracetamol every 6 hours
b. Sponge forehead and body with wet towels.
c. Rest – do not go to school and work
d. Give plenty of fluids like Water, Lemon Juice, Fruit Juice, especially Green Coconut Water
Dengue Fever Warning Signs and Symptoms.
Below are the warning signs:-
§ Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
§ Red spots or patches on the skin
§ Bleeding from nose or gums
§ Vomiting blood
§ Black, tarry stools
§ Drowsiness or irritability
§ Pale, cold, or clammy skin
§ Difficulty in breathing
The Ministry of Health would like to advice the public that if you are sick and feeling unwell with any of the above signs and symptoms, you are advised to seek medical attention at your nearest clinic, health centre or hospital.
– Ministry of Health Media Office
