Health
TCI Ministry of Health and Human Services Confirms Dengue Case
#TurksandCaicos, October 23, 2023 – On Tuesday, 17 October 2023, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) received a positive confirmation from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on a sample from a resident of Providenciales clinically suspected to have Dengue.
The Ministry maintains active surveillance considering the ongoing outbreaks in neighbouring countries within the region with which the TCI has close trade and travel links. The confirmation of this case underscores the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect individuals and communities from further exposure.
The Minister of Health and Human Services- The Honourable Shaun Malcolm stated that “the Ministry of Health is actively collaborating with local health care providers to monitor the situation closely and implement necessary preventive measures to ensure the well-being of the community, and that together we can all make a difference”.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that significantly threatens public health. Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. In the Americas, Aedes aegypti is the mosquito vector that is the main source of dengue transmission. These mosquitoes are also responsible for spreading zika and chikungunya. The aedes aegypti mosquito is present in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Dengue is characterized by moderate to debilitating fever along with any of the following symptoms:
- severe headache
- pain behind the eyes
- joint and muscle pain
- fatigue
- skin rash
- nausea
- vomiting
- any warning sign
Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Although most people will recover after about a week, Dengue Fever can escalate into life-threatening complications without timely medical intervention. Severe dengue is a medical emergency.
Warning signs of severe dengue
Watch out for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hours after your fever has gone away.
Immediately go your nearest emergency room if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms.
- Belly pain, tenderness
- Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
- Feeling tired, restless, or irritable
There is no specific treatment for dengue. Rest, proper hydration, and acetaminophen can be used. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen!
To combat this growing public health challenge, we urge the community to take the following preventive measures:
- Eliminate stagnant water: Mosquitoes that transmit dengue breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty and clean containers that can collect water, such as flowerpots, swimming pools, buckets, and old tires.
- Use mosquito repellents: Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET according to manufacturer’s
- Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Use mosquito nets: Utilize mosquito nets while sleeping, particularly for infants, young children, and the elderly.
- Stay informed: Seek guidance from local health authorities and remain informed about any updates or precautions related to Dengue Fever in the region.
- 6. Seek medical attention: If experiencing symptoms related to Dengue Fever, seek medical care immediately and avoid self-medication.
Together, we can effectively combat the spread of Dengue Fever and safeguard the health and well-being of our community. For further information, please contact the Ministry of Health at (649) 338-5835. To report any areas of standing water or mosquito breeding sites, please contact the Environmental Health Department for guidance assistance at (649) 338 2143/2142. Follow the Health Promotion and Advocacy Units Facebook page for additional information on https://www.facebook.com/tcihealthpromotions/.