SINCE the start of the 2023 rainy season, several countries have reported an increase in the number of dengue fever cases recorded. The Ministry of Health Wellness, Elderly and Affairs would like to remind the Saint Lucian public, principals, staff, teachers, parents and students that mosquito breeding sites can be found on the school premises.
The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is responsible for the spread of mosquito borne diseases dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika. As a large number of students, teachers and staff travel to and from school each day, the presence of infective female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes on school premises can very quickly and easily spread dengue fever at schools. Therefore, it is essential that school grounds be inspected weekly to eliminate or treat any containers which are potential or active mosquito breeding sites. Bearing in mind the vulnerability in school settings, it is of paramount importance to reduce the risk of dengue transmission by controlling Aedes Aegypti mosquito’s breeding on school premises.
In light of this, the Ministry of Health has conducted on the ground surveillance at all schools where active and potential mosquito breeding sites have been identified and eliminated. Fogging operations have also been conducted to targeted adult mosquitoes and ensure that students are safe and comfortable in the school environment.
The ministry would like to motivate teachers, staff and students to maintain general cleanliness in and around schools by practicing proper disposal of garbage such as used plastic cups, plates bottles, wrappers and other small miscellaneous items which can collect water and become breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Parents are also encouraged to look out for the signs and symptoms of dengue fever in their children. The most common symptoms of Dengue Fever include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains and a red itchy rash. Characteristic in children is the appearance of glands to the neck. There may be persistence of the fever beyond day five with worsening of one’s. general condition. If your child is experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, please seek medical attention.
Together we can work to improve the dengue situation in Saint Lucia. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will continue to provide the public with updates on the dengue situation in Saint Lucia.