Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has reported a 200-fold increase in suspected dengue cases in the Americas.
Confirmation of this upsurge in cases across the region came as a Fyzabad teenager became T&T’s latest dengue fatality. Details of the death are now known but a senior medical source said she died two weeks ago.
A post about the death on X stated, “I don’t know why (idky) this isn’t big news but people should know Dengue is back and with a vengeance!!!! My friend died this morning after being sick for a week. Please keep your yards clean. Don’t litter, don’t leave bodies of water uncovered at any time.”
In a statement yesterday, CARPHA reported increased dengue outbreaks, hospitalisations, and deaths, alongside new cases of Zika and Chikungunya. Interim Executive Director Dr Lisa Indar urged member states to intensify surveillance, prevention and control measures to curb the transmission of arboviruses.
Assistant Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control, and Head Vector Borne Diseases at CARPHA Dr Horace Cox called for strengthened integrated vector management strategies, especially with the onset of the hurricane season. This includes eliminating mosquito breeding sites to reduce larvae numbers.
Rajesh Ragoo, Senior Technical Officer for Vector-Borne Diseases at CARPHA, highlighted the importance of community involvement in combating mosquito-borne diseases.
The regional agency also urged member states to enhance mosquito control activities, review preparedness and response plans, and maintain robust surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely care for arboviral disease cases to prevent severe complications.
The Health Ministry confirmed yesterday that there have been two dengue-related deaths and 190 confirmed cases of dengue fever as of June.
The Ministry said it had ramped up its sensitization activities since February to combat the spread of the virus which has surged in other parts of the world. In addition, clinical training had been provided to regional health authorities on dengue signs, symptoms and treatment, along with extensive public awareness campaigns and social media promotions emphasising the reduction of Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites.
Public outreach events were held at Trincity, Gulf City, and Long Circular Malls to assist citizens in identifying dengue symptoms and highlighting the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
Mayor of Siparia Doodnath Mayrhoo and chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation Gowtam Maharaj both complained about a shortage of manpower and equipment at the Insect Vector Control Division (IVCD.
However, the Health Ministry said it uses multiple spraying methods to control the adult mosquito population, including indoor residual spraying, which applies insecticide on hard surfaces within homes and is effective for up to three months. Thermal fogging uses hand-held devices to apply chemicals around buildings and open spaces, while ultra-low-volume Spraying utilises truck-mounted devices to spray insecticide over large outdoor areas.
Earlier this month, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh warned against indiscriminate use of chemicals. He said over-spraying is detrimental to the health of animals and humans.
Deyalsingh urged citizens to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in containers like flower pot saucers, vases, tyres, buckets, barrels, and water storage containers. He also said there should be regular cleaning of gutters and drains as even small amounts of stagnant water can become breeding sites.