Increase in Dengue Cases in Caribbean Member States Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) reports rise in dengue cases due to increased rainfall in member states. Dengue outbreaks pose a significant threat to health, tourism, and economic development. CARPHA urges vigilance and flexible response strategies to combat the spread of dengue.

Senior Technical Officer for Vector-Borne Diseases at CARPHA, Rajesh Ragoo, said “around our homes and communities, we need to ensure our surroundings are clean and free of materials or containers that can accumulate water.

“We often overlook plant pot bases, vases, buckets and used vehicle tyres. These are typical breeding sites and should be checked frequently. Water storage drums and tanks must be properly covered and inspected periodically to ensure that there is no breeding. Roof gutters should also be cleaned,” he said, adding wire-mesh/screens on doors and windows also help in reducing the entry of mosquitoes into home.

CARPHA said that the mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. Personal preventative measures to minimise mosquito bites are also extremely important.

It said vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, older adults, and women who are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, must be extra cautious.

Long-sleeved clothing and repellents containing DEET, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus, should be used to protect exposed skin or clothing, and must be used in accordance with the instructions on the product label. Confirmed cases should rest under mosquito nets.

“To counter the increase in mosquitoes and potential disease transmission, greater effort should be placed on mosquito control activities in communities, and these should be intensified.

“CARPHA urges its member states to review their preparedness and response plans, as well as to continue surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely care of dengue and other arbovirus cases, to prevent severe cases and deaths associated with these diseases.”.

CARPHA also urged member states to use available data, tools, and technologies to improve forecasting capacities, including the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

It said CMS should also prioritise proper clinical management of suspected dengue cases by strengthening detection and management capacities at the primary healthcare level, thus preventing the progression of the disease to its severe forms.

“CARPHA remains committed to supporting CMS in their vector control efforts, including capacity-building in integrated vector control strategies. CMS must continue to strengthen prevention and control measures such as surveillance, diagnosis, as well as timely and adequate treatment of cases, while ensuring that health care services are prepared to facilitate access and proper management of patients with these diseases.”

CARPHA said it has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness and promote effective prevention and control measures for dengue, a recurring threat to public health in the Caribbean region. (CMC)