Tobago has reported its first confirmed case of dengue fever amid an ongoing wave of cases in Trinidad since January 2024. The Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) identified the suspected case, sent a sample for testing, and confirmed the diagnosis on July 5.
Dr Faith B Yisrael, Secretary of the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, in a release, urged those on the island to take this situation seriously, as one case can quickly multiply.
She said, “Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes and is the fastest-growing mosquito-borne disease. The World Health Organization ranks dengue as one of the top ten global public health threats, but it is entirely preventable. Ensure there are no mosquito breeding sites in and around your homes.”
The Public Health Services Department will handle the standard response for dengue cases. The Vector Control Unit will inspect the home of the positive case and all residences within a 100-metre radius to eliminate any mosquito breeding sites. Indoor residual spraying will also be conducted at these locations.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue fever, can also transmit other diseases such as Chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, the release reminded Tobagonians. The public is urged to take all necessary precautions against mosquito bites.
For more information, the public is invited to visit the health division’s Facebook page.