The entire Dominican Republic is on alert regarding the spread of dengue fever, also known as “bone-break fever” for the very high fevers it can produce. Local health facilities are now dedicating as many beds as possible to treat victims, and, unfortunately, the death toll continues to rise.
Dengue is transmitted by the same mosquito that serves as the vector for yellow fever and malaria, and there is no cure available, only palliative care to ease the fever and pain. Staying hydrated is crucial.
The Ministry of Public Health has just announced the start of the second stage of its fight against the fever, especially is some 14 provinces, starting with Azua and Barahona.
The Ministry of Public Health is not working alone. Over 27,000 people took part in the first phase of these sanitation efforts, and the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) is a major player in these efforts. The plan is to eliminate stagnant water, fumigate, educate the people in prevention, use of insecticides, and distribute hygiene kits in the barrios.
Public Health Minister Daniel Rivera told reporters that his people hope to see results similar to what occurred after the first phase of the fight against dengue, that is, a drop in the number of cases.
Besides Azua and Barahona, the provinces that receive the most attention are Bahoruco, San Jose de Ocoa, Peravia (Bani), San Cristobal, La Romana, San Pedro de Macoris, La Altagracia, Santiago, Valverde, La Vega, Santo Domingo and the National District are the target of the effort. People are reminded about how to eliminate mosquitos is paired with the use of materials to kill mosquito larvae and how to store water safely.
Heavy rains falling in the Dominican Republic and the unusual extension of summer heat into fall have created conditions for the extending of the dengue season and are motives for people to take extra care to prevent breeding mosquitos and being bitten by one.
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El Caribe
Listin Diario
30 October 2023