By Admin. Updated 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
In 2023, St. Vincent and the Grenadines SVG recorded seventeen (17) cases of Dengue Fever and twenty (20) cases of Leptospirosis.
Though the number of leptospirosis and dengue cases recorded in 2023 did not exceed the normal levels, and there was no outbreak, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment is urging people to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against contracting the vector-bourne diseases.
“Dengue Fever is a mosquito borne viral illness that is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. Persons are encouraged to seek early care from their health care providers if they are experiencing fever accompanied with nausea, vomiting, rash or aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain),” the health ministry said in a January 11 press release.
The health ministry said: “Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease, spread through contaminated fluids from rodents such as rats and mongooses, that affect humans and animals. Symptoms associated with Leptospirosis include, high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and rash. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all”.
The Ministry of Health said it wishes to advise anyone experiencing any of these signs and symptoms to seek medical attention from your district health care team or their private healthcare provider.
“Also testing for influenza, COVID-19, Dengue and Leptospirosis are available in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Strong adherence to and compliance with the treatment protocols given and any other precautionary measures are advised at this time,” the ministry said.
The Ministry said it will continue to monitor closely and update the public accordingly.
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