Dutch Antilles: Dengue 2009

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l120/update120.html

Experts confirm start of
new outbreak of dengue

~ St. Martin in vigilance phase ~

MARIGOT--Health experts have concluded that collated information produced by local authorities and Institute Veille de Sanitaire (INVS) confirms St. Martin is at the beginning of a fresh outbreak of dengue, that effectively began ten days ago and urges preventative treatments be ?rigorously? implemented.

In a release issued by the Pr?fecture Thursday, La Cellule Inter-R?gionale d?Epid?miologie (CIRE) of Antilles-Guyana met with the Committee of Experts for Infectious Diseases in the Northern Islands on Wednesday to analyse the current situation.

The release contained no statistics or figures, but went on to say ?given the favourable climatic conditions for development of mosquitoes, preventative measures already known by the population must be implemented without delay and in a rigorous manner. It is at this early stage that preventative measures can be most effective.?

In accordance with this information, an intensive fogging campaign begins as of today, Friday. It is advised to leave house doors and windows open when the truck passes for the chemical to be most effective.

The dengue management committee is due to meet again on October 16 to assess the local situation.

The Pr?fecture of St. Martin and St. Barths once again reminds the population of the action to be taken to prevent the spread of dengue which is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito.

Anti-mosquito sprays and creams should be used liberally. Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evenings. Make sure mosquito screens are installed on windows and doors. Young children, babies and elderly persons should sleep under mosquito netting.

Throw out any stagnant water collecting in flower vases, or other receptacles, around the house or in the yard and make sure rain gutters are unblocked after heavy rainfall. Stagnant pools of water are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Cisterns must be covered with mosquito netting. It is also encouraged to breed Guppy fish which feed on mosquito larvae. Check the septic tank is functioning properly.

Dengue, similar to a serious flu, is manifested by the onset of severe headache, muscle and joint pain, often accompanied by fever, chills, and fatigue, and can last several weeks. It is recommended to consult one?s doctor who may recommend a blood test.

Currently there is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l123/dengue123.html

Suspected dengue cases doubled
during last week of September

MARIGOT--Some 72 suspected cases of dengue fever were registered in the last week of September, double the number from the week before, the latest release from health authorities disclosed.

The number of biologically confirmed cases for the same period stood at 15 in the last week of September, up from less than 10 in the third week of September.

Hospitalised cases also increased dramatically, from one in August to six in September. Five of those were adult cases, three of which were diagnosed as severe.

It was also noted that serotype DEN2 was identified three times and DEN1 twice. If this pattern continues, it could lead to a resurgence of serotype DEN2, which had previously not been identified since 1996, the release added.

Serotype DEN4 was identified in one case in September on the Dutch side.

Both sides of the island have reported a rapid spike in dengue fever, exacerbated by favourable climatic conditions for breeding. The Pr?fecture issued an advisory last Thursday indicating St. Martin was in a vigilance phase for the beginning of a new outbreak. It urged the population to implement preventative measures ?in a rigorous manner.?

Fogging treatments are currently being carried out on both sides of the island.

Health Department DSDS meanwhile has begun conducting an awareness campaign on preventing the spread of dengue in the three Coll?ges of the French side to disseminate information as widely as possible.

The Pr?fecture has also announced that St. Barths is currently in an inter-epidemic phase.

The dengue pilot committee will next meet on October 16 to assess the situation on both islands.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l124/dengue124.html

One dies from dengue,
public vigilance urged

PHILIPSBURG--Authorities have intensified their dengue prevention campaign and have reiterated their call on residents to remain vigilant after a 54-year-old man succumbed to suspected dengue haemorrhagic fever this month.

Eleven persons, including four children, have also been hospitalised during September and the beginning of October for suspected dengue.

Five of the persons were confirmed to have dengue, one of the tests came back negative and the result of one case is still pending. Two or three of the children are still hospitalised, reporters were told at a press conference hosted by the Dengue Action Response Team (DART), representatives of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and the Public Works Department Tuesday.

Inspections within the community have stepped up and the public and persons manning construction sites in particular are being asked to cooperate by ridding their environs of stagnant water and other potential breeding sites for mosquitoes. Authorities will be forced to apply the law for those who fail to cooperate.

The 54-year-old man died at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) after a prolonged stay at home with symptoms that included high fever, Head of the Preventative Unit at Sector Health Care Affairs (SHCA) Dr. Rachel Eersel explained.

It could not be ascertained when the last death due to dengue haemorrhagic fever had occurred in St. Maarten before that, but the authorities have advised thatresidents should promptly report to their house doctors if they show any symptoms of bleeding, coupled with fever and/or muscle and joint pains.

A total of 27 lab-confirmed dengue cases have been recorded for St. Maarten for the month of September, a spike from the nine recorded in August. Results are being awaited for another 26 lab tests conducted about a week ago. An average of two cases is normally recorded per month for this period and the figures suggest that the St. Maarten is in an epidemic phase, Eersel said.

She said several initiatives had been carried out over the past weeks to educate the community on dengue preventative measures and to rid the island of potential dengue breeding spots. These efforts include the distribution of pamphlets, meeting with community groups and fogging exercises.

Fogging has been interrupted on a number of previous occasions due to rain, amongst other things, much to the chagrin of residents, some of whom complain bitterly about the large number of mosquitoes in their communities.

The DART team is busy developing a programme specifically for students to educate them about dengue.

Eersel said authorities had noticed a spike in the number of lab requests for dengue tests. These requests are no longer confined to the St. John?s community, as had been announced at the start of the outbreak, but are being received from all districts in St. Maarten. She said too that many tests were coming back negative.

What is dengue?
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by a virus transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito, which has a lifespan of two to three weeks. Dengue is marked by high fever and muscle and joint pains, as well pain behind the eyes. In severe cases there are signs of bleeding, a symptom of dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, in which case the person will be admitted to a hospital.

The aedes aegypti mosquito, Eersel said usually bites two hours before sundown and several hours before sunrise. She called on residents to wear long-sleeved clothing and to use insecticides and repellents, especially during this period. All four strains of the dengue virus have been circulating in St. Maarten, she said, and if a person contracts dengue from one strain, he or she is still susceptible to contracting the other three.

?If you have symptoms of dengue, you have to go to your family physician and do a lab test for confirmation,? Eersel stressed, adding that the classical dengue case was not dangerous and went away with or without medication. She advised persons with this ?classical case? not to consume aspirin or aspirin products, but to use Tylenol instead for pain.

Preventative measures
Once a laboratory request has been made for a dengue test, additional information is requested from the family physician and representatives of the Hygiene and Veterinary Affairs Department are dispatched into the field for inspections and to distribute information to residents.

In addition to the dengue information pamphlets and brochures, a dengue manual has been developed for persons interested in facilitating information sessions on dengue.

Fogging
Eersel also announced that authorities were one day behind in their most recently released fogging schedule and said a new schedule would be released to the media soon. It could not be ascertained why the fogging schedule was a day behind and what areas had not yet been fogged.

She said fogging could not be done too frequently, because ?it is not good for the environment? and the mosquitoes would become immune to the pesticides. She stressed, though, that residents and persons manning construction sites could help keep the mosquito count down by ensuring that there was no stagnant water in their immediate environs.

Department of Public Works Maintenance Department Project Manager Benjamin Ortega said inspections had intensified on Monday and would be stepped up in the various districts in coming days. Inspectors will be visiting areas, checking for potential breeding sites and asking residents to get rid of these sites, or would be doing so themselves. He said the intention was to produce a map of ?red zones,? (possible breeding grounds) where prevention efforts would be concentrated.

?We would like the cooperation of the public. When you see the inspectors coming around, they are not there to give you a hard time, they are there to help you. So, please, help us to help you,? Ortega said.

Additional information on dengue or prevention measures can be obtained from SHCA or the Hygiene and Veterinary Affairs Department at tel. 542-2079 or 542-2078.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l136/deng136.html

Visitor believed to have succumbed to dengue

~ Maria: We have a real situation on our hands ~ PHILIPSBURG--Health authorities in the Netherlands are evaluating the death of a 54-year-old male frequent visitor to St. Maarten who is believed to have succumbed to dengue shock syndrome.

Describing the death as ?another important development? in the dengue epidemic facing St. Maarten, Health Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus told reporters during Wednesday?s Executive Council press briefing that government had received reports that the man probably had an underlying medical condition at the time ?and therefore this case is presently still under medical evaluation in the Netherlands.?

If confirmed that the death was due to dengue, this would bring to two, the total number of persons to have succumbed to dengue this month.

?We have a real situation on our hands that requires the complete attention and support of the St. Maarten community,? the commissioner said in reiterating authorities? call for the community to take preventative measures.

?Every individual and every household have to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding within their surroundings. If you do not take any measures to prevent mosquito breeding, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but that of your family and neighbours as well.

?If you take the attitude that you won?t get dengue fever, I would say, first look around at your surroundings to see if you have mosquitoes. Take measures to prevent mosquito breeding and you and your family will have a higher chance of not becoming infected.

Preventative measures include remaining in well-screened or enclosed areas, and wearing clothing that reduces the amount of exposed skin such as long sleeves, long pants and socks. The use of insect repellents on exposed skin is also recommended. Insect repellents containing DEET are the most effective, the commissioner said.

Buncamper-Molanus said the Dengue Action Response Team (DART) has stepped up its response and control activities which includes enhanced surveillance; an intensification of the house to house inspections; a stepped-up public awareness campaign; inspection of construction sites and an island-wide, clean-up campaign. The Executive Council has approved funds to the tune of 319,700 guilders to carry out the action plan.

?Preparations are being done to step up house to house inspections. These will be carried out by a team of more than 30 civil servants. Reassignment of civil servants would be necessary in order to have the necessary manpower to deal with the outbreak on the island,? she said.

The number of laboratory confirmed dengue cases up to October 18 stood at 40. For the month of September there were 48 laboratory confirmed cases.

Additional information on mosquito prevention can be obtained from the Hygiene Department at tel. 542-2059.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Some cases reported from another nearby Island: Saba; note the date.

Dengue epidemic in Saba with nine confirmed cases

Written by The Daily Herald

Tuesday, 07 October 2008

www.sxmislandtime.com

SABA - According to island doctors Jack Buchanan and Gys Koot, nine cases of dengue fever have been confirmed on Saba, and this constitutes an epidemic. Both doctors are expecting additional cases.

Blood tests are necessary for confirmation since dengue fever symptoms are very similar to common flue complaints: light fever, aches, lack of energy, etc.

A screening test is first done on the French side of St. Maarten, followed by more in-depth testing at the Diagnostic Center in Cura?ao. Twenty individuals have been tested so far.

Nine of these tested positive for the disease. None of the cases so far have been of the hemorrhagic variety, and only two persons had been hospitalized.

Of the two persons who were hospitalized, one of them had never left Saba. In another case, three family members had complained to the doctor. All were later confirmed to have dengue fever and all had been to Orient Beach.

The doctors are currently assuming that Saba?s dengue originated in St. Maarten, and was probably brought to Saba by infected persons. Rudolph Johnson, head of mosquito control, said that it is a very unusual situation since he has heard of only one case of dengue in Saba since he started work in 1971.

Johnson has posted extra notices and has increased home inspections. He appealed to homeowners to be vigilant that there is no standing water around their homes.

Stagnant water for flower arrangements must be changed daily to wash out possible larvae deposits. Recent rains could have activated the mosquito eggs which could lie dormant for months.

http://www.sxmislandtime.com/index....ne-confirmed-cases&catid=31:general&Itemid=76

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Outbreak (in French St Martin) was reported in ProMedmail on october 4:

http://www.promedmail.org/pls/otn/f...CHECK_DISPLAY,F2400_P1202_PUB_MAIL_ID:X,74271

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Dengue epidemic deepens, 72 cases recorded Oct 1-18

by The Daily Herald

Posted: Oct 25, 2008 19:26 UTC


PHILIPSBURG - As the dengue epidemic continues to take a hold on the community, authorities announced Thursday that 72 laboratory confirmed dengue cases have been recorded between October 1 and 18.

The Dengue Action Response Team (DART) estimates that this figure is likely to surpass the 100 mark before the end of October.

The DART Team is calling on every household to take immediate measures to stem the breeding of mosquitoes. ?The only way to stop the dengue outbreak from growing is by every household taking mosquito breeding preventive action. By taking measures, you are protecting your family from getting dengue fever,? Government Information Service (GIS) said in a press release yesterday.

Two persons have already succumbed to dengue this month ? one from dengue haemorrhagic fever and the other of dengue shock syndrome.

The Island Government has approved an emergency budget of over 300,000 guilders to cover a number of interventions related to the local outbreak. The DART Team met Thursday morning to review strategies and to adapt them accordingly. An intensification of intervention activities is currently underway and will be more noticeable as of next week, GIS said.

The Hygiene Department has also resumed its fogging exercise. Areas last completed were Cay Hill and the Cul de Sac Basin. Scheduled for fogging are the Pointe Blanche and the Philipsburg areas. Fogging activities are dependent on good weather. If there is rainfall, this vector control measure will be suspended.

Every household is asked to check debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards as these are the main source and breeding grounds for mosquitoes, bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These areas should be immediately eliminated.

Residents should also immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. ?Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.

?In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure mosquitoes haven?t laid any eggs. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults.

The three types of dengue circulating on the island are DEN-1, DEN-2 and DEN-4. This also increases the risk for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) which is potentially deadly, and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which if not treated correctly, can lead to profound shock and death.

?Residents are strongly advised to continue to take urgent preventive action against mosquito breeding in order to stem the increase in the number of dengue cases on the island,? it was stated in the release.

Persons requiring additional information on preventative measures or persons who wish to report areas of standing water, overgrown vegetation etc. should immediately call the Hygiene Department at tel. 542-2079.

http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l137/dengue137.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

News on dengue from another Carribean island: Curacao; it is from a blog, blog has it from local radiostation "Paradise FM" (nothing on their website); can't find anything, like a press-release, from official sources.

Dengue on Curacao is not uncommon, these reports seems to indicate the number of patients at the moment is higher than usual.

Curacao is located near Venezuela.

It is unclear if the reported upsurge in cases on Curacao could be related to the current outbreak of dengue on St Maarten/St Martin and Saba.

Tourism is a main source of income, so I could imagine the local authorities try to avoid to much attention to the local health situation.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Yes or no dengue epidemic ?

Source: Paradise FM

Councilor Eugene Island Cleopa (MAN) is deeply concerned about a possible dengue epidemic in Curacao. In September there were 23 cases, this month are already 32.

,, Is there, or isn't there an epidemic now ? " Cleopa is wondering. From the medical world, he receives disturbing news and from people who are familiar with the fight against this disease, he gets the impression that there is room for improvement of the information for the public.

Cleopa winds on the fact that he still received no reply to his letter to the College Board on this subject while the press release from the Public Health Service contends that the case appears far more serious than he initially thought.

http://curanieuws.blogspot.com/2008/10/wel-of-geen-dengue-epidemie.html

From another blog:


Dengue outbreak on Curacao and Sint Maarten

In Cura?ao there is currently an outbreak of dengue. Last month there were 23 cases recorded this month and there are 32 cases of dengue fever, dengue, as in English is called .

That is more than usual for this time of year and the likelihood is great that there are more registered cases added.

The Public Health Service has therefore intensified its actions, which take place all year in terms of checks in the neighborhoods.

Yet still there is no fogging. This is too expensive and if it rains it makes no sense. It is decided not to fumigate, unless there are clusters: many dengue cases within an area.

- snip -

http://antillen.blogo.nl/?comments/20081028-dengue-uitbraak-op-curaao-en.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Confirmation from this news website:

Curacao

Dengue Outbreak Officially Confirmed

October 28, 2008, 16:32 (GMT -04:00)

WILLEM CITY - In Curacao is currently an outbreak of dengue. That the authorities officially confirm. Last month there were 23 cases recorded this month 32.

That is more than usual for this time of year, where the number of dengue cases always increases because of the rains. The upward trend started since July of this year. And the chances are that more cases will registered because there are more laboratory tests have come.

The Public Health Service has therefore intensified its actions, which take place all year in terms of checks in the neighborhoods. But there will still not be fogging, says Lanionel Tromp of the Sanitary Service. "That happens only when there are clusters. So many dengue cases within a region.

"The service has six syringes at its disposal which are currently a Bonaire is lent but according to Tromp again on the way back to. The spraying in the neighborhoods must be done strategically. Moreover, it is a precious thing. It requires the commitment of at least ten people, who spray early in the morning or later in the evening.

The weather should cooperate, because if it rains it makes no sense. And the pesticide itself is also not cheap, says Tromp. Moreover, the fogging should go together with the preventive measures which the government now calls.

That means pots, tires, washing machines, cans and other items where water may remain should be cleaned up or put upside down. The mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs in places with fresh water.

- snip -

http://www.amigoe.com/artman/publish/artikel_48571.php

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

From St Maarten


House-to-house checks being intensified to fight dengue

PHILIPSBURG--Authorities are continuing their efforts to stem the spread of dengue fever in St. Maarten with intensified house-to-house inspection around the Island Territory from tomorrow, Friday.

Inspections will focus on potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes and inspectors are hoping to inspect some 15,000 households by the end of the campaign.

A number of civil servants who have been reassigned to carry out the inspections will start the inspections in Pointe Blanche tomorrow. The final logistics are currently being put into place, the Government Information Service (GIS) said in a press release on Wednesday.

Approximately 15 to 30 teams of two persons will canvas the island from Pointe Blanche to the Lowlands area as part of the campaign. The intensified house-to-house/yard inspections will be carried out from 8:00am to 12:00noon.

“The Dengue Action Response Team (DART), a multidisciplinary planning team is looking for the full cooperation of residents when the inspection teams call at their address. Fogging vector control will take place in the Guana Bay and Back Bay areas as of Thursday, barring any unforeseen circumstances such as a change in weather conditions. Fogging had to be discontinued recently due to mechanical problems with the fogging machine,” the release stated.

“The house-to-house/yard inspections are part of the public health response to dengue on the island and are part of an intensified community campaign to eradicate the mosquito that carries dengue fever.

“Community mosquito surveillance and control is critical at this time in order to effectively deal with the dengue outbreak on the island. The inspections will allow for the location of hotspots of dengue mosquitoes. Mosquito control workers become the fire-fighters of dengue. Dengue can rage through a community like a bushfire, and the Aedes Aegypti mosquito is the fuel for the fire. The more mosquitoes present, the faster dengue spreads,” the release continued.

“Each inspection team will be led by a team leader and will be identifiable by a badge. Residents who are at home during the time of inspection will be provided with information about dengue fever and symptoms and how to identify the mosquito that carries the virus.”

Information will also be provided about preventive action that must be taken and maintained to prevent mosquito breeding in and around your home.

“The cooperation of every household is required in order for this intensified inspection to be a success. Persons who are not at home when inspectors call will receive a letter that they were there and what their findings were after the yard inspection, and what preventive actions need to be taken in and around the home as well as inside.”

Government recently approved an emergency budget of more than NAf. 300,000 to cover a number of interventions related to the national outbreak.

“Preventive actions that every household should take are: debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes, bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These areas should be immediately eliminated.

“Immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface, as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.

“In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure that mosquitoes haven’t laid any eggs. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.”

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness. Two persons have died since the outbreak. Additional information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of standing water, overgrown vegetation, etc., should contact the Hygiene Department at 542-2079.

http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l142/dengue142.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

St Maarten

Dengue spike continues, 90 cases October 1-25

~ Lab providing immediate dengue results ~

PHILIPSBURG--As authorities scramble to stem the dengue outbreak in St. Maarten, the number of confirmed cases continues to climb.

The Dengue Action Response Team (DART) announced on Thursday that 90 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue had been recorded October 1-25. The results of 48 lab tests are pending and DART said the figure was expected surpass 100 this month.

Meanwhile, St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) has introduced a new laboratory system for dengue testing. The new system will enable Dutch-side health officials to obtain immediate results of laboratory tests carried out by SLS rather than having to send them to Curaçao or the lab on the French side, as was being done in the past.

Sector Health Care Affairs (SHCA) Preventive Health Department Head Dr. Rachel Eersel met with family physicians on Tuesday evening to inform them about the latest strategies being implemented to fight dengue fever and to inform them about the new laboratory form.

A meeting was also held with SLS, the Government Information Service (GIS) said in a press release.

“The DART team is requesting every household to take immediate measures as the outbreak continues to (worsen). The only way to stop the dengue outbreak from growing is by every household taking mosquito-breeding preventive action. By taking measures, you are protecting your family from getting dengue fever,” GIS said.

In the meantime, the Hygiene and Veterinary Department is continuing with its fogging campaign in the various districts, weather conditions permitting. Part of the Philipsburg area and the landfill on Pond Island were fogged recently.

Next in line for vector control fogging are parts of the A.Th. Illidge Road, Upper Princes Quarter and Guana Bay areas.

Hygiene Department Health Inspectors and group team leaders visited Pointe Blanche on Thursday to review the plan of action for the house-to-house/yard inspections that will be implemented as of 8:00am today.

The house-to-house/yard inspections are part of the public health response to dengue on the island and are part of an intensified community campaign to eradicate the mosquito that transmits dengue fever.

The Island Government has approved an emergency budget of more than NAf.300,000 to cover a number of interventions related to the dengue outbreak.

http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l143/deng143.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Friday, november 7, 2008

Confirmed dengue cases jump to 119 for October

~ Results of 69 lab tests still pending ~

PHILIPSBURG--The continuing seriousness of the threat from dengue fever was underscored Thursday when the Dengue Action Response Team (DART) confirmed that there were now 119 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases for October.

The team also noted that this figure was expected to increase, as results from the lab are still being awaited for another 69 cases.

The previous figures provided by DART had shown that there were 90 confirmed cases of dengue for the period October 1-25, with 48 lab tests pending. The latest figures indicate a sharp increase in both lab-confirmed cases and the number of tests conducted during the last week of October.

In a press release issued last night DART reiterated the importance of an all-out community effort to eliminate the aedes aegypti mosquito and thereby halt the spread of dengue.

The team called on every household to take immediate measures to prevent mosquito breeding. ?The only way to stop the dengue outbreak from growing is by every household taking mosquito breeding preventive action. By taking measures, you are protecting your family from getting dengue fever,? the multidisciplinary group coordinating the local anti-dengue response explained.

It noted in particular that debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards and in communities generally were the main breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and urged that these be eliminated immediately.

Meanwhile, according to the Government Information Service (GIS), vector control teams are continuing with their house-to-house/yard inspections in Pointe Blanche and teams are already carrying out inspections in the Vineyard and Over the Bank residential areas. These teams should complete their inspections in both of these areas this week.

GIS said an inspection team had already started working in the Philipsburg and Fort William areas and all teams were expected to converge on these areas in full force on Monday.

Vector control teams carry out their inspections from 8:00am to 12:00 noon.

The Hygiene & Veterinary Department is also continuing with its fogging exercises (vector control measures) and recently completed fogging in the Madame Estate, Arch Road, Sucker Garden and Guana Bay areas.

Areas next in line for fogging, providing there is sunny weather, are parts of The Keys, Defiance, Middle Region, St. James Estate and areas along A.Th. Illidge Road.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death. However, two persons have died since the outbreak.

Anyone requiring information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of standing water, overgrown vegetation, etc. should call the Hygiene Department immediately at 542-2079.

http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l149/dengue149.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

From Aruba; mentioning of the `Calox-mosquito`

Number of reported dengue frightening

Dec 18, 2008,

ORANGE CITY - The Yellow Fever mosquitoes Service yesterday announced that the number of reports in connection with dengue is an alarming increase. This compared with the same period from mid-November to December last year.

Mari Belle Tromp of the Health Department said that in the same months of this year already 263 cases have been reported. That is an increase of 63 percent.

Of these 74 cases are positive, which means these people actually have the disease. In the other 189 cases, further investigation be done.

Tromp said that the population above administration continues to warn repeatedly that this itself should take preventive measures. This is because there is not enough capacity to go anywhere with insecticide spraying.

That is done only in so-called cluster neighborhoods, where the number of dengue cases is very high. The Aedis Aegypti mosquito, and its larvae, which can transmit dengue to humans, is found in clean water.

Yet warns the service to include septic tanks and cesspools to be checked because it may Calox-mosquito could occur.

A mosquito species that usually occurs in wet tropical areas, such as the Amazon region. Earlier this month, this newspaper reported that MPA leader Monica Kock shares the concerns regarding a new, potentially dangerous mosquito species from South America would have blown over.

http://www.amigoe.com/artman/publish/artikel_50639.php

machinetranslated

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Similar report from another island: Cura?ao.

"More than 200" dengue patients reported on dec 17, 2008.

Complaints about silence of the Island authorities. (Saw a same complaint on Aruban authorities.)

Report in the local language: Papiamento.


http://www.laprensacur.com/content/node/22469

Despues ku a anunsi? mas di 200 kaso di infekshon Niun hende no ta papia mas di e epidemia di dengue

Submitted by admin on Wed, 17/12/2008 -

WILLEMSTAD ? E problema di sangura di dengue, parse no ta un preokupashon mas. Despues ku instansianan di salubridat i ekspertonan a bati alarma, tin algun siman kaba ku no tin niun informashon mas di e situashon.

E mas di 200 kasonan di dengue ku a registr? den e lunanan ku a pasa no ta notisia mas. Despues ku instansianan enkarg? ku salubridat, i ekspertonan riba e materia a bati alarma, a reina manera un silensio. No tin informashon mas tokante e seriedat i e ekspanshon di e epidemia.

E flitmentu ku lo a bai tuma lug? tampoko a tuma lug? i ta parse ku e problema a solushon? di su mes.

Un funshonario di GGD a inform? LA PRENSA awe ku tin un komunikado den ?pipe-line?, i ku pronto lo tin mas informashon tokante e epidemia.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Update from Aruba, machinetranslated

Death by dengue investigated

14 Jan, 2009,


ORANGE CITY - Department of Health has issued an urgent press conference Tuesday
called for a "update" to have dengue, or dengue. The department has done this to
Following the hundreds of calls that come in within its Health, after the
media there were reports of a 53-year-old woman from dengue Casibari which would be deceased.

According to Trevor Gellecum, Director of Health, it is still not clear that this woman
Indeed dengue is deceased. "First, there are certain tests can be carried out and the
three weeks before the result could be known, "says Van Gellecum. "These tests should
a laboratory abroad carried out. "

According to Wilmer Salazar, microbiologist at Health, the woman had a fever at the weekend,
but on Monday they all felt better and she went to her work. "Later that day, she was
to the hospital in shock. At night she is deceased, "said Salazar. "Until now
there is no confirmed diagnosis of the cause of death, but it is suspected that the
dengue is. Today, an autopsy performed, the study abroad
can take place. "

Maribel Tromp, management at the department of epidemiology and research of the Service
Infectious Disease (DBZ) has indicated that so far 612 suspected cases of
dengue have been registered. "Of these 218 cases confirmed as positive by the laboratory, and
394 are still under investigation, reports Tromp. "This does not mean that they are negative."

From the moment the news of a potentially fatal dengue victim arose late
Charline Koolma, director of the Yellow Fever Muskieten Fight (GKMB) know that they are
overwhelmed with calls from people reporting on possible family-dengue
symptoms or who want information about the disease. "It is good that we now receive phone calls,
but it also had previously been possible. This kind of extreme cases, can be avoided "
according Koolman.

"From November last year, the GKMB made several visits to breeding
monitor and syringes. Often the residents are not home and then a letter
left with an invitation to make contact with the GKMB for the transmission of
us important information. But there is never called back until something bad happens and then
it is often too late. "
The more information and reports the GKMB gets, the better the service and the DBZ their work
can do, said Tromp. Finally, all speakers called on the population
and general practitioners to join forces for the multiplication of Aedes dengue mosquito Aegypti against them.
Health management is that the only way to avoid contamination with
dengue prevention.

http://www.amigoe.com/artman/publish/artikel_51497.php

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

Re: Dutch Antilles: Experts confirm start of new outbreak of dengue

From Aruba

machinetranslated google

'Dengue situation in Aruba alarming'


ORANGE CITY - The population on Aruba has become infected with dengue (dengue) is alarmingly increasing. This director Trevor van Gellecum of the Department of Health Thursday in Aruba said.

Since the propagator of the virus, tigermosquito, late last year in a period of rain again became active, capable of nearly a thousand Arubans that they dengue virus received. From thousands of others are also suspected that they were infected by dengue . Aruba has officially 110,000 inhabitants. If the rains more than normal , and the tigermosquito will hit more intensively .

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has a limit of one thousand cases confirmed to speak of an epidemic, but also indicates that country-specific circumstances. ,, Dengue is very normal for this region, especially in the nearby northern part of Venezuela where all four types of dengue continuously present'', explained van Gellecum that there is no risk for tourists.

,, It is for the local population alarming. The problem is that everyone who once care has been accepted by a mosquito with a different variant of the dengue virus is pricked really in danger.''A third of the population is now once infected with the virus, estimates the Department of Health. (ANP)

http://www.parool.nl/parool/nl/224/...uatie-knokkelkoorts-op-Aruba-alarmerend.dhtml

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Dengue 2009

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/m182/dengum182.html

Four new cases of dengue confirmed

~ Public urged to take preventive measures ~

PHILIPSBURG--The public is being urged to take preventive measures to prevent a dengue fever outbreak following the confirmation of four cases within a short time span.

The Preventive Health Department (PHD) said the four cases were from persons who live in various districts and whose ages range from 17 to 36.

?Residents are urged to take proper control measures around their homes to reduce breeding of the Ades aegypti mosquito which has the potential to transmit dengue fever,? the PHD said.

?To avoid being bitten by a mosquito, use repellent and wear long sleeves shirts/blouses as well as pants. Place screens at windows and doors.

?Public action is necessary to keep the mosquito population in check, and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The recent rains open up the possibility of stagnant water being found in items around the home.?

The PHD said immediately following the rain, residents should search for and eliminate all water accumulated in containers and help your community to prevent dengue.

The Ades aegypti mosquito breeds mostly in domestic environments as a result of human activity. It lays its eggs in clear, stagnant water. In only one week these eggs hatch and grow into adult mosquitoes. Residents therefore have a major role to play in eliminating the aforementioned mosquito and reducing the possibility of another dengue fever outbreak.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death. Symptoms are similar to the flu e.g. fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea/vomiting, rash, and hemorrhagic manifestations.

Persons with any of the dengue symptoms are advised to contact their physician to request a lab test for dengue.

?If you have dengue, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid pain relievers that contain aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen,? the PHD says.

Households are asked to remove debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in their yards, which are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These areas should be immediately eliminated.

They should also check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.

In cases where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure that mosquitoes haven?t laid any eggs, known as larva. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.

?Cooperate with the public health inspectors who may request to check the exterior and interior of your premises for mosquito breeding sites,? PHD says.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Dutch Antilles: Dengue 2009

Aantal pati?nten met dengue hoger dan in voorgaande
jaren

Op Cura?ao en St. Maarten werd in de winter van 2008-
2009 de grootste uitbraak van dengue in de afgelopen
vijftien jaar gerapporteerd. De epidemie begon in oktober
2008. Dengue is endemisch op de Nederlandse Antillen en
neemt doorgaans toe in de regentijd van oktober tot
februari.

Ook in Nederland was een stijging van dengue in
de Virologische Weekstaten te zien.
Uit navraag bij de
betrokken laboratoria bleek dat een derde van de
pati?nten de infectie had opgelopen op de Nederlandse
Antillen.

De overige pati?nten hebben de infectie in een
ander deel van de wereld opgelopen of het is onbekend
waar ze geweest zijn. Dengue is endemisch in meer dan
honderd landen in Afrika, Midden- en Zuid-Amerika,
Zuidoost-Azi? en eilanden in de Stille Oceaan. Wereldwijd
neemt de incidentie van dengue toe.

RIVM