The death toll from the Dengue Fever in Guyana has climbed to 11, with the Ministry of Health confirming the recent deaths.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said it has recorded a total of 2,169 confirmed cases of dengue fever, with 239 patients hospitalized and 11 dengue related deaths so far for 2023.

Dengue is an acute febrile disease that is caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.

Among the primary symptoms of the dengue are fever, eye pain (back of the eye), muscle/joint pain, skin rash, and headache and generalized weakness. Persons affected by severe dengue may develop complications that are associated with bleeding and clotting disorders. 

The Health Ministry said in order to ensure the adequate prevention, diagnosis and management of dengue, the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony has activated a Technical Working Group to assess the situation, and recommend measures for implementation to mitigate the impact of the virus on the public.

“As recommended by the Technical Working Group, several of these measures include, a heightened public awareness campaign to promote environmental sanitation and hygienic practices, and, public awareness on the prevention of Dengue and other mosquito borne diseases. These include several appearances on radio and television stations and frequent messages on the Ministry’s social media platforms,” the Health Ministry said.

Further, to ensure prevention and a curb in transmission, several environmental and entomological measures have been increased across Guyana such as fogging (fumigation), residual spraying, home inspections and distribution of larvicidal chemicals to communities through the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NCDs).

The Ministry of Health said a second cycle of fogging has commenced in most regions.

Additionally, the Health Ministry has increased the procurement and distribution of rapid diagnostic test kits and other laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure adequate diagnostic capacity.

It said since the disease does not have a cure, medication and medical supplies have been distributed in adequate quantity to all regions to ensure symptomatic treatment of all patients throughout the health care system in keeping with a revised national treatment guideline. 

The Health Ministry is also calling on persons living in here to do their part by keeping their environment clean and free from stagnant water.

“All Guyanese are encouraged to do source reduction otherwise known as the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, especially around homes, schools and their surroundings. Importantly, containers such as bottles, buckets and old tyres should be inspected to ensure that they are covered, punctured or removed from your homes and community. Open water tanks are known breeding sites for mosquitoes. Always secure water tanks by covering them with a net or a cover and ensure that all extra openings are sealed. Remember to clean your tanks and prevent water from laying stagnant for too long,” the Ministry urged.

Persons residing in and around mining camps where malaria cases are more prevalent are being advised by the Health Ministry to sleep under treated mosquito nets which are being provided free of cost through the Vector Control Services Unit. They are also being encouraged to use of long sleeve clothing and mosquito repellents.

Dengue is endemic to Guyana and the Region of the Americas. The Health Ministry said the increase in dengue cases is due to seasonal and climatic conditions among other factors.

“The Region of the Americas has recorded a significant increase in dengue cases in the last few months. They have recorded 2,102, 848 cases from January to June 2023, of which 3210 were classified as severe dengue with 876 deaths. The highest number of cases within this region were observed in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia,” the Health Ministry said.

For more information on dengue, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, persons can contact the Vector Control Services of the Ministry of Health on Telephone number 225-8973.

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