Wednesday 19 March 2014

New alert issued over Dengue Fever in Coast.

New alert issued over Dengue Fever in Coast.
Dengue fever

Kaingu Kapombe, Kisauni district disease surveillance officer

Coast residents have been asked to be vigilant and take measures to guard themselves against the rare Dengue Fever, caused by the Aedes mosquito, which has been reported in sections of the region.
Disease surveillance co-ordinator in Mvita and Kisauni areas of Mombasa Hussein Bileil said on Monday that it was important for residents to use mosquito nets even with the scorching heat being experienced at the Coast, or apply mosquito repellents.

Dengue fever, also known as the break-bone fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the Dengue virus which is spread by the Aedes mosquito that bites during daytime.
Symptoms include, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles.

In a small proportion of cases the disease develops into the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets  and blood plasma leakage, or into dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs.

“Mombasa residents should maintain high hygiene standards to ensure mosquitoes do not breed to avoid this disease. The Aedes mosquito is black and has white stripes. People who feel that they are suffering from symptoms of this disease should go to a medical facility to seek assistance, “ Kaingu Kapombe, Kisauni district disease surveillance officer said in Mombasa.

Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean areas where water is stored, and may also breed in flower vases.
“The disease has similar symptoms to malaria which includes aching joints. The pain suffered by Dengue fever patients is more severe. They also develop a red rash,” Kapombe explained.

He said the fever lacked cure like all viral infections but added that medical practitioners can manage the disease by treating the symptoms.

The first case of Dengue Fever was reported in Mombasa last year since 1982.

In 2013 more than 200 cases were reported in Mombasa. This year 81 cases have been reported so far.