The number of people infected with dengue in Paramaribo North and Kwatta has increased enormously in the past period. This has been confirmed by various medical authorities, according to Health Minister Amar Ramadhin. Before the start of the Council of Ministers (RvM), the minister said that compared to December 2022, the number of dengue cases in January 2023 has increased by 100 percent.
“Dengue is also a viral infectious disease, the community should not underestimate it,” says the minister. Where positive cases are found, the Bureau of Public Health (BOG) will turn out and spray the areas. The ministry is currently unable to do this on a large scale. This is due to logistical challenges.
According to Ramadhin, all positive cases that come in are responded to. Cases have also been reported in other areas. From 2017, the Caribbean region has experienced an increase in dengue cases during the short rainy season. The Ministry of Health keeps a close eye on everything.
It is important that children and the over-60s are very well protected against the Aedes mosquito, which is responsible for dengue. Preventive care is also a necessity: early clearing of places that can serve as breeding grounds and keeping the living environment clean. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, pain behind the eyeballs, severe headache, and joint and muscle aches.
In addition, there are serious symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from the mucous membranes, fatigue, irritability and presence of blood in the vomit.
