Only one confirmed case of dengue so far – Ministry

There has only been one confirmed case of dengue fever so far in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) but persons are being asked to take the necessary precautions to stop the disease from spreading.

According to Dr Jose Davy, specialist in infectious diseases, while there is only one confirmed case so far, there may be other cases at the sub clinical level.
“This meaning that some persons may think they have flu, but it is dengue and they have not been tested because it does not have all the signs, symptoms and complications of dengue,” explained Dr Davy.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms typically begin three to 14 days after infection. This may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

Dr Davy is encouraging persons to prevent the spread of dengue by helping to put things in place to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Preventative measures include getting rid of vessels containing water or turning them down, disposing of coconut shells properly, covering drums that are used to store water, properly sealing septic tanks and making sure water is not settled in guttering.

Dr Davy is also encouraging the use of insect repellent and long clothing when going hiking or when in high mosquito breeding areas.