An outbreak of dengue fever has been declared in Saint Lucia. The country’s National Epidemiologist Dr. Michelle Francois made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon during a press conference on the National Television Network. Officials from the Ministry of Health are pleading with members of the public to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in and around their home.
“Over the last few weeks, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has continued to provide updates to the public on the significant increases in trends of dengue viral infection. These increase in trends now constitute an outbreak. This means that the numbers currently being reported exceed the numbers expected and as such, this warrants immediate and a targeted response,” Francois announced.
She disclosed that as of the week of August 9-15 2020, there have been 168 confirmed cases of dengue infection. The hospitalization rate is 46% and case fatality rate, 0%. 38% of the reported cases were between the ages of 5-14 years. “Even more concerning,” she went on, “is the fact that both serotypes 2 and 3 of dengue are in circulation in Saint Lucia.”
Although most of the cases are concentrated in the northern, central and eastern parts of the island, cases have also been reported in the south and west, to a lesser extent. She continued: “The public health impact of managing a dengue outbreak, combined with adjusting to the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will place a strain on the already stretched health care services. The direct economic cost of treatment, hospitalization and prevention, as well as the indirect costs such as loss of productivity related to absence, disability or death, and the effects on tourism is of concern to an already fragile economy.”
Dr. Francois highlighted that dengue fever is mosquito borne and is transmitted usually by the female Aedes Aegypti and to a lesser extent, the Aedes Albopictus. The mosquitoes live in urban habitats and breed mostly in man-made containers. It is a day-time feeder with its peak biting periods in the early morning and evening before sunset.
She went on to speak about the four serotypes of dengue: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. Recovery from infection is believed to be lifelong, and an individual gets immunity for the rest of their life from one serotype. However, cross immunity to other types is only temporary.
After recovering from the first dengue infection, an individual is protected from infection from the remaining three serotypes for about 2-3 months. For Saint Lucians, this means that since DEN-2 and DEN-3 are in circulation, it is possible for an individual to be infected twice during the year. Secondary infections to other serotypes increase the risk of developing severe dengue.
Dr. Francois noted that dengue has an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite of a mosquito. This is the time at which a person acquires the infection, to the time when they start manifesting signs and symptoms. About 75% of dengue infections are asymptomatic, or produces a mild fever and illness.
Mild dengue symptoms: fever, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, pain behind the eyes and muscle and joint pain.
Severe dengue symptoms: bleeding from the gums or nose, vomiting of blood and passing blood in stool. Severe abdominal pain or excessive vomiting may also be experienced, which might lead to dehydration. (About 5% of persons progress to the severe form of dengue).
Treatment: There is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue and treatment is based on the patient’s symptoms. Dr. Francois indicated that mild dengue usually resolves on its own in about 5 days. If it does not, she recommends visiting a doctor. On the other hand, you should seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of severe dengue.
Deputy Chief Environmental Officer Cheryl St. Romaine called on the general public to pay attention to standing water in and around their property— which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Home owners can help mitigate mosquito problems by taking steps before and after heavy rainfall to reduce areas where standing water may accumulate around the home.
St. Romaine had the following advice:
-place and/or repair screens on windows, doors and vents at your home
-use insect repellent when at home and out (Follow the manufacture’s directions)
-remove stagnant water around your house where mosquitoes can breed
-change water in pet drinking bowls and flower vases at least once a week and ensure that these containers are rubbed/ scrubbed to remove any eggs that be on the surface
-regularly clean roof gutters and drains so water runs freely
-check water tanks and containers to ensure that they are covered securely with tight fitting material so mosquitoes are unable to access them
-cover toilet bowls when not in use
-wash dish drainers every other day
-fogging is a last resort and it only targets the adult mosquito
“If there are no breeding grounds, there are no mosquitoes and there would be no dengue fever,” the National Epidemiologist stressed.
