Districts with blocked streams have highest incidence of dengue cases

Districts with streams affected by wave action have so far registered the most cases of dengue fever in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

And with this knowledge, Chief Environmental Health Officer Neri James says his department is in the process of, “having a project to ensure that these streams are being cleared.”

James was speaking last week during a press briefing held to update the nation on the Ministry of Health’s response to an outbreak of dengue fever in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

It was noted that as at September 22, Pembroke, Kingstown, Georgetown and Calliaqua had recorded the highest dengue numbers and that up to Monday September 21, there were 374 laboratory confirmed cases with two deaths confirmed.

And yesterday, the Ministry of Health said the number of laboratory confirmed cases had increased to 432 and there were now four fatalities.

In response to a question about why the areas mentioned had the most cases, James said that those areas have streams where there is wave action.

“…And as a result of that, the flow has been stopped and we have observed there are indeed breeding sites so we are in the process of having a project to ensure that these streams are being cleared,” James told listeners.

He added that while the Ministry of Health has a responsibility, members of the public must not wait on teams to do fogging and take other mosquito control measures.

“You can do a simple things, inspect where you are living twice per week,” James advised persons while noting that each person must do their part.