 |
|
|
 Health & Beauty | April 2007 
Understanding and Preventing Dengue
 PVNN
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In December of 2006 the Public Health Agency of Canada issued a travel health advisory reporting cases of dengue fever in Puerto Vallarta, but after undertaking intensive insect control measures, health authorities say that the outbreak is under control.
But just what is Dengue Fever? Dengue is a flu-like illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly the Aedes Aegypti – a day-time biter that lives in close proximity to humans in urban areas.
There is no vaccine that protects against the dengue virus, but most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, though some cases can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever. Here's a quick overview:
Dengue fever (DF) is a severe, flu-like sickness that seldom causes death. The illness begins with the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches and joint pain, pain behind the eyes and a faint rash. The fever usually lasts from three to five days, and rarely more than seven days.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more severe and potentially deadly form of the disease, characterized by loss of appetite, vomiting, intense abdominal pain, shock and bleeding from the nose or under the skin. The occurrence of DHF may be associated with those either experiencing their second infection, being immunosuppressed, or being under the age of 15.
Dengue is one of the most common viral diseases spread to humans by mosquitoes in tropical countries around the world. Here in the Banderas Bay area, after undertaking intensive insect control measures, local public health authorities say that the outbreak is under control and that the Dengue risk in tourist areas within Puerta Vallarta is considered to be low.
However, the fact that dengue cases are still being reported makes it clear that we all have to participate in the fight against this disease. Using personal protective measures to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito remains the only sure means of reducing your risk of exposure to the dengue virus.
Here are some things that you can do to help eliminate mosquito breeding in areas where dengue might occur:
First, we all have to ensure our patios and gardens are clean. This includes making sure that there is no standing water in, or under, the pots of your plants.
The mosquito is reproducing in clean water, therefore you should have no dish where
there is water accumulation. In Mexico, the "lavabo," a washbasin found inside the service/washing room is often a place where there is an accumulation of water.
Fumigation by the Jalisco Department of Health will only work by eradicating mosquito breeding sources inside and outside of the houses, so if you hear the fumigation trucks in your neighborhood in the morning or at night, you should open your windows and doors.
When possible, remain in well-screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas. When outdoors, wear light-colored clothing with full-length pant legs and sleeves and use DEET-based products as repellents on exposed skin.
Please remember - to be informed does not mean to be in a panic, but to be conscious there is a problem. By working together we can all make a difference and protect our families. However, if you do get sick, please get the appropriate medical assistance and don't forget that these cases must be reported.
Click HERE for a list of doctors and hospitals, provided by the Canadian Consulate. |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us