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Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John??
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John has confirmed that Barbados is experiencing a dengue epidemic.
Dr. St. John was at the time addressing the media after opening the National Task Force on Physical Activity’s two-day workshop for community fitness trainers, being held at the Pan American Health Organisation, Dayrells Road, St. Michael, today.
"I announced an outbreak, I think three weeks ago because at the time, based on our statistical examinations of trends and a close examination of previous figures, we are in an outbreak.?? So I don’t want persons to feel as though I am trying to tell them that we are not," she stated.
Dr. St. John pleaded with the public to be vigilant in terms of vector control, source reduction and the treatment of dengue.
"If you are having lots of mosquitoes, then more than likely they are on your premises or on your neighbours, so look out not only for yourselves but also for community groups. Go around your house on a daily basis. If you do find mosquitoes breeding then you need to get rid of the water…?? We do have fogging and it is targeted where we have reports of illness so that the mosquitoes are killed by the fog and they don’t go onto bite someone else who is not infected," the CMO explained.
Dr. St John reminded persons of the symptoms of the disease – classic fever, severe pain at the back of the eyes, joints and muscles.?? "Some people may also have vomiting and nausea.?? If you are having those type of symptoms seek medical attention immediately."??
She added:?? "If you have the possibility of having dengue fever I do not want people using phensic, caphenol, whiz, aspirin, any of the non-steroidals, motrin, ibuprofen, aleve, advil – those are dangerous when there is [the] possibility of having dengue fever becase it worsens bleeding."??lbayley@barbados.gov.bb