The government of St Lucia has placed the population on high alert for the impact of a dengue fever outbreak. Officials of the Ministry of Health say the move is aimed at mitigating the country’s exposure to the virus as reports of dengue fever increase in the region.

A statement from the department says that although there has been no reported case of dengue in St Lucia, local health professionals believe that the current environmental conditions can sustain a dengue epidemic.

The government’s contingency plans include the re-introduction of a more sensitive surveillance system aimed at tracking the disease.

To date health authorities in Martinique, Jamaica and Puerto Rico have reported an upsurge in the number of cases of mosquito borne diseases.

Dengue fever is a communicable disease that is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, pain in the joints and back of the eyes, and a rash on the torso.

What is Dengue?

 • Dengue is a flu-like viral disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal, complication of dengue.

• Dengue occurs in most tropical areas of the world. Most cases occur in travelers returning from abroad.

• There is no specific treatment for dengue.

• Prevention centers on avoiding mosquito bites in areas where dengue occurs or might occur and eliminating breeding sites.

What is the infectious agent that causes dengue?

Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the dengue family of viruses. Infection with one virus does not protect a person against infection with another.

How is dengue spread?

Dengue is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease

by biting an infected person and then biting someone else.

How can dengue be prevented?

Avoid mosquito bites when traveling in tropical areas:

• Use mosquito repellents on skin and clothing.

• When outdoors during times that mosquitoes are biting, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.

• Avoid heavily populated residential areas.

• When indoors, stay in air-conditioned or screened areas. Use bednets if sleeping areas are not screened or air-conditioned.

• If you have symptoms of dengue, report your travel history to your doctor.

• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites in areas where dengue might occur:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes. Discard items that can collect rain or

run-off water, especially old tires.

• Regularly change the water in outdoor bird baths and pet and animal water containers.