Dengue Cases Surge in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Significant Increase in Cases Confirmed
The number of dengue cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has surged to 213, marking a significant increase over the past week.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed the latest figures during the “Issue at Hand” program on WEFM99.9SVG on Sunday, following a report from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Last week, the country reported 113 cases of dengue, meaning an additional 100 cases have been recorded in just seven days.
Concern Over Hospitalizations and Spread of Disease
Dr. Gonsalves expressed concern over the situation, particularly noting that 17 people have been hospitalized with dengue, most of whom are children. This has led to increased mosquito fogging efforts on both the Leeward and Windward sides of the island in an attempt to control the spread of the disease.
Affected Areas and Suspected Unreported Cases
The bulk of the dengue cases have been reported in Kingstown, Calliaqua, Pembroke, and Bequia. While all the reported cases have been lab-tested, Dr. Gonsalves suspects there may be more unreported cases, as some people may experience mild symptoms and recover quickly without seeking medical attention.
Public Urged to Take Action to Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites
In response to the outbreak, the Prime Minister urged the public to take action to reduce mosquito breeding sites. He emphasized the need to eliminate stagnant water in barrels and other containers commonly found in yards, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Conclusion
The recent surge in dengue cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines highlights the importance of taking measures to prevent the spread of the disease. By eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking proactive steps to control the spread of the disease, the public can help reduce the number of cases and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
FAQs
* Q: How many dengue cases have been reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
A: 213 cases have been reported.
* Q: What is the primary cause of the surge in dengue cases?
A: The exact cause is not known, but it is believed that mosquito breeding sites are contributing to the spread of the disease.
* Q: How can the public reduce mosquito breeding sites?
A: By eliminating stagnant water in barrels and other containers commonly found in yards.