How Dengue Fever Is Impacting The Region?

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Following the alarming announcement of 16 cases of dengue fever in The Bahamas, Pan-American Health Organisation representative to The Bahamas Dr. Eldonna Boisson says regionally an outbreak happens every three to five years.

The last outbreak of dengue fever was in 2019.

So far for the year, Dr. Boisson says there has been over 3 million cases of dengue and more than half the number of deaths compared to the 2019 outbreak. 

Guyana has recorded 2,169 cases with 239 patients in hospital and 11 deaths. 

Despite this, she says the number of deaths compared to the number of ill people is still low.

All four types of dengue have been seen in the region. The Bahamas however has only seen serotype 3 so far. 

The mosquito-borne illness is most rampant during the rainy season in the Caribbean and Southern Americas.

She says what’s important is timely diagnoses.

Those early signs to look out for include fevers, aches, pains, rash, and headaches.

This isn’t the first time The Bahamas saw a dengue fever outbreak. Back in 2011, The Bahamas saw an outbreak of serotypes one and two.

PAHO and who is encouraging all member states to strengthen key areas.