Photo: James Gathany / CDC
The DENV virus, or Dengue, is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is transmitted mainly by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito and, to a lesser extent, the Aedes albopictus.
The dengue virus is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide and it has grown dramatically within recent decades. In fact, approximately half of the world’s population is now at risk, with Dengue affecting 100 to 400 million people per year. The Dengue virus is endemic to Trinidad and Tobago, and while it is known that the Dengue season coincides with the country’s rainy season, the risk of infection still exists during the dry season.
With increased cases of the novel coronavirus, it is easy to mistake the aforementioned with Dengue as they present similar symptoms.
A comparison between the DENV virus (Dengue) and the Coronavirus.
DENGUE | COVID-19 |
Symptoms – High fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, fatigue, skin rash, vomiting, haemorrhages | Fever/ chills, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, headaches, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Spread via bites of infected mosquitoes | Spread mainly through respiratory droplets |
Symptoms last between 2-7 days | Symptoms present within 2-14 days and can last for weeks |
Detection – Polymerase Chain Reaction-PCR test | Detection – Polymerase Chain Reaction-PCR test |
HOW TO MANAGE DENGUE DURING THE DRY SEASON
- Maintain your landscape. Tall grass, overgrown bush and weeds provide a welcoming habitat for mosquitos that seek refuge in the cool vegetation. Trim and cut these bushes and weeds routinely.
- Eliminate potential water reservoirs. Declutter your yard space and remove objects and storage containers that can potentially hold water.
- Use larvicide or chlorine granules into suspected water. Areas where water usually collects and cannot necessarily be moved, like guttering or pools, can be treated with these products to kill mosquitos at the larvae stage.
- Call the professionals. Some landscapes have unique conditions that cultivate large mosquito populations and require more advanced solutions. Pest control firms can offer these solutions such as Rentokil Pest Control and the Insect Vector Control Division of the Ministry of Health.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU HAVE DENGUE…
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- DO NOT take Aspirin.
- If a pain reliever is needed, take Paracetamol, Tylenol or Panadol.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
- FIRE – 990
- POLICE – 999
- AMBULANCE SERVICE – 811
- ODPM OFFICE – 640-1285