THE Ministry of Health is preparing for a surge in dengue fever cases as the number of confirmed infections continues to rise.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh reported an increase in dengue cases from 712 to 813 over the past week, despite ongoing efforts by health authorities to control the outbreak.
During a media briefing held at the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, Minister Deyalsingh expressed concerns reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic, where delays in seeking medical treatment exacerbated the situation.
He said, “What I am seeing is a repeat of the Covid-19 experience where people just took too long to come in to be treated, to be diagnosed, and to be screened.”
Also at the press conference were acting ERHA Medical Director Dr Darren Dookeeram, Paediatric Emergency Specialist Dr Joanne Paul, acting Consultant Haematologist Dr Kavita Ramlochan, Medical Chief of Staff NCRHA Dr Ravi Lalla, and acting Principal Medical Officer Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards. The Ministry is intensifying its national response to the dengue threat.
Deyalsingh said, “We are preparing for an increase in cases. That is why we have activated the Couva facility. I urge people to make use of the facility. We have introduced similar lines of treatment at the other RHAs.”
The minister encouraged citizens to utilise early screening centres nationwide to manage and mitigate the spread of dengue. He also criticised the public’s lack of action in controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue fever.
Deyalsingh said, “The citizenry has not stepped up to the plate. The major response agency is the homeowner, and homeowners are not stepping up to the plate to rid their yards and homes of these small to medium-sized containers, for example, buckets, unused dog bowls, water dishes, plant saucers, and cleaning guttering. They have not stepped up to the plate.”
He noted instances of stagnant water in containers and tyres that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
In response to the growing threat, the number of homeowners issued notices to clean up their premises has increased from 30 to 441 in less than a month.
Deyalsingh said, “The population, in my view, still haven’t played their part in ridding their homes and yards of breeding sites, and that is why we have to issue 441 notices, but I am sure that that is a drop in the bucket. The population needs to do much more.”
