Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Guyana could learn from India’s struggles with dengue
– Indian High Commission
India, like Guyana has a prevalence of dengue, according to a statement issued by India’s High Commission to Guyana. Dengue is caused by the Aedes Aegyti mosquito which is the carrier of dengue germs. In countries like Guyana and India, which have regular rains and sometimes more than normal as have been evident this year, governmental authorities have gone to great lengths to fight the menace caused by the perceived threat, the statement added. But apart from disseminating information about the causes of dengue such as how it can be commonly prevented and surveys of areas reporting cases, resorting to measures such as fumigation are commonly undertaken.
According to the statement, “certain parts of India have had more than their fair share of rains causing floods in some cities and states while some areas are facing droughts. The Capital of Delhi has experienced more than normal rainfall this year.”
In fact it was outlined that the incidence of dengue in India, until the first week of this month, saw some 7,746 laboratory confirmed cases and 25 deaths India-wide. And not only is the laboratory-confirmed variant of the dengue virus, circulating in India, causing disease of a milder nature, but also the number of cases reported are fewer in comparison to the substantial number of cases reported from other South Asian countries.
The Government of Asia, the statement added, has undertaken a series of measures that have had a direct impact on reducing the Aedes Aegyti mosquito, thereby bringing the situation under control. The health authorities in Delhi have since launched a massive drive in this
regard.
The incidence of dengue in India, until the first week of this month, saw some 7,746 laboratory confirmed cases and 25 deaths India-wide.
“Stagnant water pools everywhere are being sprayed with the larvicide, Temephos, to destroy the mosquito larva and attendant source reduction measures are being implemented to eradicate breeding. Ward level task forces have been constituted that are to function with the active participation of the local community to ensure the implementation of dengue prevention measures.
“All public and private buildings are being visited by municipal teams to ensure that all possible breeding places of the aegypti mosquito like water tanks, flower pots, coolers etc., are comprehensively free of the mosquitoes.”
Meanwhile at the local level, Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, revealed recently that while there has been an evident upsurge in the prevalence of dengue fever, there have been no reported deaths from the disease.
According to a Ministry of Health advisory, persons are being urged to get rid of the breeding places of mosquitoes in and around their homes by covering all water tanks, barrels, drains, storage containers and garbage bins with tightly fitted covers or with wire mesh. In addition, flower pots, vases and other unused containers should be emptied and scrubbed at least once a week to destroy mosquito eggs. Eggs, the advisory noted, can hatch into larvae in three to six days.
Speaking at a press conference, the Minister asserted that dengue is a reportable disease thus health care providers treating such cases are mandated to report same to the Health Ministry forthwith.
“Not everybody with a fever is a dengue case…You could suspect them, but to include it in the statistics you will have to verify this first.” The minister revealed that the only way that dengue could be ascertained is to look at the antibodies, a process which is similar to testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Right now there are two tests – the Rapid and Aliza tests – that are being undertaken to detect the presence of dengue. The rapid test can be undertaken regionally, but according to the Minister, only the National Public Health Reference Laboratory can carry out the Aliza test.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Health continues to take on an approach of alerting the general populace of the possibilities and is ensuring that they are educated on precautionary measures.
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