RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhicasookraj@guardian.co.tt
In response to the alarming rise in dengue cases, public health inspectors in T&T have been authorized to issue fines of $3,500 to citizens if their premises become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
This was revealed by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh as he spoke on the Morning Brew on Tuesday about the dramatic increase in dengue cases across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Deyalsingh said there has been a 300 per cent increase in dengue cases in the Caribbean.
"We need to get the population to understand that while spraying is part of the response, source reduction is crucial. Look at scrapyards, clean up your lots, and ensure your surroundings are free from potential mosquito breeding sites or you will be fined," he warned.
He said the Caribbean and Latin America have been severely impacted by dengue fever.
"Globally, as of April, there have been 3.4 million confirmed cases, with 16,000 severe cases and 3,000 deaths. This is a global Caribbean, Latin American problem," Deyalsingh said.
He noted that locally the number of confirmed dengue cases has risen sharply.
"When I first addressed the population three weeks ago, the number of confirmed laboratory cases was 123. We are now at 229 lab-confirmed cases, with two confirmed deaths," he revealed.
Asked what measures will be taken to protect citizens in areas like Woodland, Penal and Barrackpore where watercourses are clogged, Deyalsingh said the Aedes Egypti mosquito breeds in clear, clean, still water, rather than muddy, dirty water.
He emphasized that chemical spraying alone is insufficient to control mosquito populations.
"Overspraying has two outcomes: the mosquitoes become resistant, and you kill off the entire ecosystem. Overspraying is harmful to human and animal life," he explained.
He advocated for source reduction noting, "Cleaning your surroundings is crucial, and unless the population engages in source reduction, so mosquitoes don't breed, we will not eliminate them."
To combat the spread of dengue, Deyalsingh said the government will implement stricter measures.
"Public health inspectors will be authorized to issue fines under the Yellow Fever Regulations to residents who fail to maintain their properties. We will give you seven days to clean up your act, and if you don't, you will be fined," Deyalsingh warned.
This includes cleaning guttering, removing derelict vehicles and cleaning up old tyres.
He said the surge in dengue cases is concentrated in the counties of Victoria, Caroni, and St. Patrick, which account for 90 per cent of the cases.
Deyalsingh stressed the importance of community cooperation to combat the spread of the disease. "Mosquitoes fly within a 100-meter range. We can't encourage mosquitoes," he said.
Meanwhile, Primary Care Physician II, of the South-West Regional Health Authority, Dr Sandi Arthur offered advice on how to manage dengue.
"Your body can fight it off. Stick to acetaminophen (paracetamol) and avoid non-steroidal drugs, which can exacerbate symptoms," she said.
Arthur also provided guidelines on recognizing severe dengue symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, lethargy, and restlessness, urging individuals to seek medical attention immediately if these occur.