Trinidad and Tobago records 13 dengue-related deaths

Trinidad and Tobago has recorded its 13th dengue-related death with health authorities saying Friday, that the number of cases had surpassed 1,300.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 1,315 confirmed cases of dengue fever across the country, with 13 fatalities so far this year.

It said that as of September 5, health authorities have also issued 914 yellow fever notices to property owners and occupiers, urging them to clean up their surroundings to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Legal action is being considered against 43 property owners for failing to comply with these directives as the ministry reminds the public that dengue is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

It is the same type of mosquito that spreads the Zika and chikungunya viruses.

Trinidad and Tobago recorded its first dengue-related death on June 19, when a 65-year-old succumbed to the virus.

The health ministry said that symptoms appear within five to six days of being bitten (and) last for one to two weeks.

It said the symptoms include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, vomiting and diarrhea and that individuals showing such symptoms should seek immediate medical treatment.

SOURCE: CMC