29 Nov 2018 | 05:49 AM UTC
Dominican Rep.: Dengue fever outbreak continues /update 1
Dengue fever outbreak continues as of late November; at least 1101 cases reported
Event
According to health officials in the Dominican Republic, at least 1101 cases of dengue fever have been reported nationwide between January 1 and late November. The highest transmission rates were recorded in the provinces of Santo Domingo, Barahona, and Pedernales. Public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, are anticipated in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.
It should be noted that various other mosquito-borne diseases are present in the country, including malaria, chikungunya, and the Zika virus.
Advice
Individuals in the Dominican Republic are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito-netting or in an air conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).
