Neymour: Hurricane Irene could impact dengue fever outbreak
By Krystel Rolle
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com
Nassau, The Bahamas
Hurricane Irene could potentially fuel the dengue fever outbreak, according to Minister of State for the Environment Phenton Neymour.
He explained that the system could impact the government’s response to the outbreak. However, the minister added that the storm could also help the government get a handle on the outbreak.
“The ministry is concerned because the hurricane is coming — not just because it’s a hurricane but in regards to the dengue outbreak,” Neymour said.
“There are positives and negatives to a hurricane in that if there are high winds, the winds may blow the mosquitos away and not allow them to reproduce. It could also assist in the further outbreak in that regard. So a hurricane could assist but at the same time it offers challenges with fogging exercises. The high winds may impact fogging.”
On its current path, the eye of the storm is expected to pass over New Providence between tomorrow and Thursday morning.
Minister of Health Dr. Hubert Minnis told The Guardian yesterday that more than 3,000 people have contracted the virus to date. However, he noted that not all of the persons who have dengue fever received medical attention and therefore would not have been added to the count.
And with the health care facilties already inundated with patients, any increases in the dengue fever outbreak could further strain the public resources.
However, Dr. Minnis said the Ministry of Health is preparing for that eventuality.
“Though we may have strained resources, we find that opening the clinics on the weekends specifically for dengue cases is very, very helpful in reducing the burden,” he said.
The South Beach and Fleming Street clinics are open on weekends for dengue cases.
“If the need arises we would do what is necessary. If more clinics need to be opened we will make them available. We are finding that our policies are working, and the staff is performing well. So we will continue on this track.”
Minister Neymour said the Department of Environmental Health is also prepared to expand its fogging exercises.
In the meantime he said heavy fogging exercises will continue.
However, he advised residents to continue to empty containers around their homes, especially after bouts of rain.
Dr. Minnis said residents should also spray their homes and businesses with mosquito repellents during closing hours as an extra precaution.
He said all medical facilities are being sprayed to avoid contamination.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for the spread of the virus. Fever, muscle pain, eye pain and headaches are some of the symptoms associated with the virus.
People with mild symptoms are being asked to treat themselves at home by getting rest, drinking fluids and taking medicines such as Panadol or Tylenol.
Aug 23, 2011
