From Jamaica Observer

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says while the mosquito-borne diseases, Chikungunya and Zika, which swept the region in 2014 and 2016 are not expected back anytime soon, the region should “gear-up for the possibility of a major outbreak of dengue fever in 2018”.

CARPHA said the outbreak is possible “because as before, the pre-conditions of abundant mosquito vector levels still exist, and increased levels of dengue are being reported in Latin America and elsewhere.

“It is imperative as rainy season begins in many countries that efforts to stop mosquitos breeding be stepped up, especially for pregnant women and vulnerable populations.”

Dengue is a flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but can be severe and cause death. Symptoms typically begin four to 10 days after infection. This may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. This illness can evolve into severe dengue, characterised by potentially deadly complication due to intense and continuous abdominal pain or tenderness and persistent vomiting.

The region’s premier health agency said that these mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Chikungunya and Zika threaten health, tourism, social and economic development, “So everyone needs to work together.

“Dengue remains a global health problem and like Zika and Chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for the disease.”

CARPHA Chief Executive Director, Dr James Hospedales, said although dengue is not new to the region, “we need to gear up for the possibility of a severe outbreak.

“This virus has been increasing in frequency over the past 30 years. Reports from Latin America elsewhere show markedly increased dengue in recent months, so we in the Caribbean can expect it will soon be here,” he said in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2018, that is being observed under the theme “ Fight the bite, destroy mosquito breeding sites”.

CARPHA said it is interesting to note that prior to Chikungunya and Zika, large epidemics of these conditions were reported the preceding years, 2013 and 2015 in the Pacific and La Reunion, and that dengue epidemics are being reported 2017/18 from the Pacific and La Reunion.

CARPHA said that Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, which ends on Sunday, focuses on mosquito-borne diseases and risks associated with them.

The measures used for controlling the spread of dengue are the same as those for Zika and Chikungunya as these diseases are transmitted by the same mosquito — Aedes aegypti. As the rainy season approaches, mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified.

It said that the most effective way to avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites.

Research shows that drums and tires are the main mosquito breeding sources in the region.

“We need to clean up our surroundings. The two most important things to manage mosquito populations in our Caribbean countries are to manage water storage drums and tanks, and properly dispose of used vehicle tires to prevent mosquitos breeding,” said Dr Hospedales.

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