Georgetown, GINA, April 4, 2008

With the increasing number of dengue cases in the country Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy advises that mosquito nets should be used during the day and at night in order to prevent the spread of dengue, which increased in the last year.
This increase he noted is more than was reported in previous years. “We have no evidence as yet that we are having an increase in the number of dengue cases. We are not certain whether the increasing numbers we saw last year is a real increase or whether it is a reflection of the intensified surveillance system that we have,” he said.
The Health Minister noted that there are four types of dengue viruses however, Guyana has mostly seen type two, which is mild, with symptoms of high fever, joint pains, and headaches. He said however, that when more than one form of dengue infects a person it can cause dengue haemorraghic fever. This is accompanied by internal bleeding and can lead to death. This is a possibility with the kind of mosquitoes that are in the country.
Minister Ramsammy said, “Vector control will be intensified. Government is expanding fogging exercises and other vector control measures.”
Additionally, in the hinterland areas long lasting impregnated bed nets are being distributed. This is also being done in some communities on the coast among homes with pregnant women and families with young children.
The Minister noted that in addition to Government’s efforts people also have a role to play in preventing the spread of dengue fever.
There have been an increasing number of dengue cases throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister also announced a yellow fever advisory. He said anyone travelling to a country where there is transmission of yellow fever should ensure they are vaccinated for the disease.
Though Guyana has not had an outbreak of the disease in a number of years, other countries have, resulting in a limited supply of the vaccination for the disease in the region.
He added that Government has been working closely with Brazil and Venezuela to ensure that vaccination needs of the country are met. There has also been collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to this end.
Minister Ramsammy said in efforts to prevent the spread of this disease airports will now be more rigid in implementing yellow fever requirements.