Health
TCI Health Authorities on Alert as PAHO Warns of Increased Dengue Risk in the Americas Due to DENV-3 Serotype
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 12 February 2025: The Ministry of Health and Human Services is closely monitoring the growing risk of dengue outbreaks in the region following an alert issued by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). The PAHO alert highlights the increasing circulation of the DENV-3 serotype in the Americas, which has raised concerns regarding potential surges in cases and the severity of the disease.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. PAHO has expressed particular concern over the rise of DENV-3, a serotype linked to severe forms of the disease, even in primary infections. This presents a heightened risk to populations who have not been previously exposed to this serotype.
While the DENV-3 serotype has already been detected in several countries across the Americas, including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and
The common symptoms of dengue include:
- High fever (up to 104°F/40°C)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain (often referred to as “break bone fever”)
- Rash (which may appear a few days after the fever begins)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mild bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding)
Severe dengue can develop rapidly and requires immediate medical attention. Warning signs include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- Fatigue and restlessness
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Sudden drop in blood pressure (shock)
If you or someone you know exhibits any of these warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management primarily focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. This includes:
- Hydration: Maintaining adequate fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration.
- Pain and Fever Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help manage fever and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen should be avoided due to the risk of bleeding.
- Medical Care: Severe cases may require hospitalisation for intravenous fluids and close monitoring.
Dengue prevention relies on controlling mosquito populations and reducing individual exposure. The Ministry of Health encourages all residents to take the following preventive measures:
- Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Remove standing water from containers, such as flower pots, barrels, tires, and gutters, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Keeping your environment clean reduces potential mosquito breeding sites both in your home and community.
- Use insect repellent: Apply repellent on exposed skin, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce mosquito bites.
- Install mosquito nets or screens where possible, especially when sleeping.
The Ministry of Health is committed to working with local healthcare providers to ensure that the sector is prepared based on the level of risk expressed by PAHO Residents are urged to stay informed and take action to help reduce the spread of dengue in our communities.
The Turks and Caicos Islands join the broader Caribbean and Latin American efforts in mitigating the spread of dengue and safeguarding public health. We urge all residents to remain vigilant and take preventative steps to reduce the spread of this dangerous disease.
For more information please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.