In Suriname, the number of people with dengue is on the rise. This has been reported by the Bureau of Public Health (BOG). The positive cases are particularly noticeable in Paramaribo-North and Kwatta.
Wat is dengue?
The dengue virus is the causative agent of dengue fever (DFF), also known as dengue fever, hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). DHF and DSS are two forms of severe dengue. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day.
What are dengue symptoms?
The incubation period for the dengue virus is between 3-14 days (usually 4-7), following a bite from an infected mosquito. The majority of dengue virus infections are without symptoms. Non-severe dengue virus infections are characterized by the following symptoms:
• Sudden onset fever (up to 41°C) with chills;
• Headache, especially behind the eyes;
• Muscle and joint pain;
• Algehele malaise;
• Nausea;
• Vomit;
• Cough;
• Sore throat.
The BOG advises that when citizens experience these complaints, it is necessary to go to the doctor. Those who have contracted dengue can prevent others from being infected by (still) using anti-mosquito products themselves (lotion, gel or spray), wearing clothing that covers them and also sleeping under the mosquito net during the day. Non-severe dengue virus infections recover after a few days to a week. Someone can get dengue several times.
The best way to prevent this disease is to clean up breeding grounds and cover water supplies. You can think of all water-containing objects such as vases, flower pot coasters, fountains, car tires, broken gutters, old washing machines and the like. By sleeping under a mosquito net you can also avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The Ministry of Health and the BOG are closely monitoring the situation to prevent a dengue epidemic.
