Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, elaborated, today at the seat of the Ministry in Port Louis, on the preventive measures regarding Dengue cases in the country.
He was speaking at a multi-sectoral meeting bringing together different units of the Health Ministry, representatives of the City Council of Port Louis and other District Councils, as well as the Special Mobile Force (SMF) to coordinate and assess the work being undertaken related to Dengue fever.
There are currently 25 cases of Dengue in Mauritius, mostly admitted at the Dr A. G. Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis and six cases in Rodrigues at La Ferme Hospital.
Dr Jagutpal indicated that the situation is under control for the Republic of Mauritius and reaffirmed the Ministry’s engagement in conducting tests and providing the necessary treatment to patients.
He spoke of the importance to communicate information effectively so as to continuously sensitise the public on the precautions to be taken. He called upon the collaboration of each and everyone to combat Dengue.
The Minister observed that most of the cases are in the region of Port Louis and therefore most patients are admitted to the Dr A. G. Jeetoo Hospital, the rest are admitted to the Bruno Cheong Hospital in Flacq and the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital in Pamplemousses.
During the meeting, explanations were provided related to the systematic treatment being given to patients including monitoring of full blood count, provision of a mosquito nets for patients, and conducting of a PCR test on the first day.
Most of the patients are discharged on the fifth day once the PCR test is negative. Dr Jagutpal reassured that there are no issues till now in terms of medications and tests.
As for other sub-classifications of Dengue, the Minister informed that tests have been sent to South Africa and results will be available in some 10 days. The acquisition of other testing kits is underway, highlighted Dr Jagutpal.
The Health Minister further emphasised that in case of a rise in cases, two to three wards at the ENT Hospital with a total of some 60 beds will be available. Referring to actions undertaken for mosquito control, some 1,000 inspections have already been carried out in the region of Port Louis.
Around eight public places not complying to the norms have been notified to the City Council of Port Louis, some 48 notices served to private premises, and there are some 20 closed areas with no access possibility.
The Minister mentioned that fogging and larviciding are also being carried out as measures to control mosquitoes. To analyse the density of mosquitoes, Minister Jagutpal pointed out that the Vector Biology and Control Division of the Ministry is engaged in the calculation of the number of mosquitoes.
As per the analysis of the Division, there is a high density of mosquitoes in areas such as Saint Croix, Roche Bois, and Baie du Tombeau, stated the Minister. To this end, he said that a rise in mosquitoes will result in an increase in Dengue cases.
He therefore dwelt on reinforcing measures such as mass cleaning to pull down the mosquito density with the support of different stakeholders including the SMF.
As for preventive measures, Dr Jagutpal explained that the Health Promotion Unit is carrying out sensitisation programmes so that the Force Vives, Women Associations, District Councillors and other stakeholders transmit the message to the public at large.
Mass media campaigns are also ongoing to raise awareness on Dengue. The importance of awareness programmes in Primary and Secondary Schools was also brought forth at the meeting.
Another meeting will be held in two weeks, he added. Dengue Fever Dengue break-bone fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. The most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash.
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