Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.laestrella.com.pa/mensual/2009/03/26/contenido/80164.asp
HEALTH WARNING
Dengue index keeps climbing
03-26-2009 | MELODY ZAMBRANO
With the rainy season fast approaching the infection threat increases and there is a need for community commitment
Panama Star PANAMA. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) is running against the clock. According to weather forecasts, the rainy season is around the corner (middle of April), and the aedes aegypti mosquito infestation rate is not decreasing in areas such as Betania, Pueblo Nuevo, San Francisco, and 24 de Diciembre.
According to MINSA reports, 26 cases of classic dengue have been identified in the metropolitan area so far this year. Another 43 cases are under investigation after showing signs of dengue symptoms.
But MINSA worries increased when a 40 year old woman died of hemorrhagic dengue in Chiriqui this month, a case that alerted health centers across the country.
In the metropolitan area this week, the infestation level is 2.2 percent while in San Miguelito it is 1.4 percent. Broken down by neighborhoods, 24 de Diciembre has a 4.7 percent index, San Francisco 3.2 percent, Pueblo Nuevo 1.9 percent, Bella Vista 1.8 percent and Betania surpassed the 5 percent index.
24 de Diciembre is prone to breeding grounds because of proximity to swamps, while risk factors in San Francisco and Betania rise because of the vegetation gardens prevalent.
Anything below 2 percent is considered low risk of infestation, yet even with low levels of risk cases of infestation can take place, according to Oscar Gonzalez, chief of Vector Control at MINSA.
To avoid an hemorrhagic crisis such as in Bolivia, a prevention campaign before the start of the rainy season is a must. ?The infestation levels are going to rise, along with mosquito breeding grounds. What we need is that once (the breeding grounds) are eliminated, people keep implementing prevention measures,? added Gonzalez.
He said MINSA is doing its part in eliminating the mosquito breeding grounds, inspecting homes, giving lectures, and fumigating.
?MOSQUITO-METERS?
The new weapon to prevent dengue is the ?mosquito-meters. Fourteen risk indicators installed in different parts of the metropolitan area, San Miguelito, and Herrera and Chiriqui. The red color indicates a high level of risk in the area, yellow is medium, and green stands for low risk.
?But what is lacking is a commitment by the community to look our for its own health,? said Lucas Lopez, director of the Metropolitan Health Region.
HEALTH WARNING
Dengue index keeps climbing
03-26-2009 | MELODY ZAMBRANO
With the rainy season fast approaching the infection threat increases and there is a need for community commitment
Panama Star PANAMA. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) is running against the clock. According to weather forecasts, the rainy season is around the corner (middle of April), and the aedes aegypti mosquito infestation rate is not decreasing in areas such as Betania, Pueblo Nuevo, San Francisco, and 24 de Diciembre.
According to MINSA reports, 26 cases of classic dengue have been identified in the metropolitan area so far this year. Another 43 cases are under investigation after showing signs of dengue symptoms.
But MINSA worries increased when a 40 year old woman died of hemorrhagic dengue in Chiriqui this month, a case that alerted health centers across the country.
In the metropolitan area this week, the infestation level is 2.2 percent while in San Miguelito it is 1.4 percent. Broken down by neighborhoods, 24 de Diciembre has a 4.7 percent index, San Francisco 3.2 percent, Pueblo Nuevo 1.9 percent, Bella Vista 1.8 percent and Betania surpassed the 5 percent index.
24 de Diciembre is prone to breeding grounds because of proximity to swamps, while risk factors in San Francisco and Betania rise because of the vegetation gardens prevalent.
Anything below 2 percent is considered low risk of infestation, yet even with low levels of risk cases of infestation can take place, according to Oscar Gonzalez, chief of Vector Control at MINSA.
To avoid an hemorrhagic crisis such as in Bolivia, a prevention campaign before the start of the rainy season is a must. ?The infestation levels are going to rise, along with mosquito breeding grounds. What we need is that once (the breeding grounds) are eliminated, people keep implementing prevention measures,? added Gonzalez.
He said MINSA is doing its part in eliminating the mosquito breeding grounds, inspecting homes, giving lectures, and fumigating.
?MOSQUITO-METERS?
The new weapon to prevent dengue is the ?mosquito-meters. Fourteen risk indicators installed in different parts of the metropolitan area, San Miguelito, and Herrera and Chiriqui. The red color indicates a high level of risk in the area, yellow is medium, and green stands for low risk.
?But what is lacking is a commitment by the community to look our for its own health,? said Lucas Lopez, director of the Metropolitan Health Region.
