The Ministry of Public Health has initiated a nationwide dengue prevention campaign. The Society of Pediatrics reports there have been almost 500 reported cases of dengue. Dengue, and its complication, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) are the most important arbovirus diseases in the world today. The Ministry of Public Health says that Dominicans inadvertently have breeding areas in their homes and has alerted Dominicans to become aware of any possible water storage areas that could serve as breeding area. Dengue viruses are transmitted by humans by mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, a species that is well adapted to life in tropical urban environments. Unlike most malaria vectors, this species preferentially feeds on humans during the day, frequently enters homes to rest and feed, and breeds in water that is stored or collects around human dwellings. As a result, A. aegypti has invaded urban, suburban and rural settings throughout many parts of the tropics. There is no protective vaccine for dengue, so travelers must rely on preventing mosquito bites to combat infection. Anyone suspected of being infected with dengue, especially with haemorrhagic manifestations, should seek medical assistance immediately. If untreated or inappropriately treated, DHF and DSS have a high case fatality rate. Appropriate clinical management, in turn, reduces the rate to under 5%.
