Tobago has recorded its first laboratory-confirmed case of Dengue Fever, following the wave of dengue cases that began in Trinidad since January 2024. The suspected case was flagged by relevant personnel at the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA), a sample taken, sent for testing and confirmation received on July 5th.
Secretary of the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, Dr. Faith B.Yisrael is encouraging residents to take this situation seriously as one case can lead to one hundred.
“Dengue is a viral infection transmitted from infected mosquitoes to people and is the fastest spreading mosquito-borne disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked Dengue as one of the top 10 global public health threats, yet it is something that is totally preventable. Avoid being bitten by ensuring that you have no mosquito breeding sites within and around your homes. We cannot impress this enough on residents.”
The standard response for Dengue Cases will be carried out by the Public Health Services Department of the DHWSP. The Vector Control Unit will conduct inspection of the home of the positive case, as well as all residences within a 100 metre radius, to check for and remove any mosquito breeding sites. Additionally, indoor residual spraying at the residence of the case and all residences extending 100m outwards will be carried out. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito which spreads dengue fever is also known to spread other diseases such as Chikungunya, Zika and Yellow Fever. The public is urged to take every precaution against mosquito bites. Protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites! For more information, visit the DHWSP Facebook page.
