In the latest data released by the Ministry Of Health on the Dengue outbreak, 34 new cases of Dengue Fever have been recorded in the period of June 5 to June 13.
As per the last Island Times report, MOH gave out the number of individuals infected with dengue virus as 203 since December when the official announcement of outbreak was made.
Adding the new 34 cases, the total number has now gone up to 237 individuals that have been infected with the virus. Fortunately, there have been no deaths reported due to the cases of severe dengue since the declaration of an outbreak.
World Health Organization (WHO) has made a category of Severe Dengue under the information for the Dengue disease. The official website of WHO reads.
“Severe dengue is a potentially deadly complication due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. Warning signs occur 3–7 days after the first symptoms in conjunction with a decrease in temperature (below 38°C/100°F) and include: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, restlessness and blood in vomit. The next 24–48 hours of the critical stage can be lethal; proper medical care is needed to avoid complications and risk of death.”
According to the last Island Times report, Palau has dealt with a situation of Dengue outbreak in the December of 2017 as well in which 490 people contracted the disease and several people died.
MOH is urging the public to practice the recommended 3S of Dengue Prevention. The ministry recommends searching and eliminating mosquito-breeding sites in and around your home as mosquitoes prefer to breed within or near places where humans live. Common breeding sources include old tires, pet dish pans, flower pots, and empty bottles.
The MOH has also recommended wearing clothing that covers your skin and using insect repellent on exposed skin can reduce your risk of infection.
Those who are facing the early symptoms of Dengue like sudden high fever, severe headache & backache, chills, body ache, joint & muscle pain, pain when moving your eyes, loss of appetite, and vomiting are urged to consult the hospital as soon as possible. (By Eshan Kalyanikar)