RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Two more people have died from dengue fever, bringing to eight the number of people who succumbed to the disease this year.
Within a matter of days, confirmed laboratory cases have also surged from 666 confirmed cases to 712, the Ministry of Health confirmed yesterday.
In the San Francique, Penal region, over two dozen people have been experiencing dengue-like symptoms and have taken blood samples for testing, Guardian Media was told.
Among the eight people who died from dengue was pharmacist Rakesh Nanlal, who succumbed last Thursday at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, where he worked. His death has since sparked concerns about the lengthy time it takes to test and confirm laboratory results.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, former Pharmacy Board president Andrew Rahaman confirmed that Nanlal was among those who died from the deadly virus. An autopsy conducted on Friday confirmed Nanlal died from dengue haemorrhagic fever.
Rahaman said although Nanlal initially showed signs of recovery, his condition rapidly worsened, leading to his death.
He noted unconfirmed reports that Nanlal’s blood tests were conducted at the EWMSC but were delayed, complicating the confirmation of his diagnosis.
“If he had gotten the results, it seems as though he would have known what precautions to take and could have checked himself in much faster. I am inquiring whether there is too much of a time lapse in getting results,” Rahaman said.
He urged citizens not to take chances and to seek medical advice immediately if they show symptoms of dengue fever.
“The symptoms are well-publicised; observe them closely. Do the necessary lab work to check for dengue haemorrhagic fever. On the pharmaceutical side, people who take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) painkillers are advised to switch to Panadol or Tylenol,” Rahaman advised.
Despite reports of an influx of dengue patients at the nation’s hospitals, Rahaman emphasised the importance of seeking immediate care. “People are dying from dengue. I don’t know what the ministry has in place to deal with the influx. The ministry should provide information about what triggers to look for before going to the hospital,” he added.
Rahaman described Nanlal’s death as shocking, noting that the pharmacy fraternity has suffered a significant loss.
“He was a helpful pharmacist, and we are very sad about his demise. He was youthful, not even 40 years old yet,” Rahaman revealed.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Ministry of Health yesterday clarified that when a patient is hospitalised or dies from suspected dengue, blood samples are sent to the Trinidad Public Health Laboratory and then to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for confirmation. This process can take up to two weeks, during which time cases cannot be officially confirmed, the ministry added.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Health can only confirm dengue cases and deaths once a positive laboratory result is received from CARPHA.”
The public is advised to seek prompt medical attention if experiencing warning signs of dengue fever, including a sudden drop in body temperature, intense abdominal pain, bleeding, persistent vomiting, and dizziness, the ministry said. Anyone experiencing fever, pain behind the eyes, joint pains, skin rashes and nausea should immediately seek help at the nearest medical facility.