WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN), in collaboration with the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), organized an information session for hoteliers regarding the dengue outbreak. Currently, about twenty individuals have been admitted to the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) after contracting dengue, with three fatalities reported.
While the current situation is concerning, epidemiologist Yaskara Halabi emphasizes that there is no need for panic. "Unfortunately, three people, especially young individuals, have succumbed to Dengue in recent weeks. However, it should be noted that individuals with underlying conditions are more susceptible to severe consequences of a dengue infection." GMN has also recorded twenty cases among tourists.
Previous Dengue Outbreaks Curaçao, like neighboring islands in the Caribbean and various countries in South America, is currently grappling with a dengue outbreak, along with reported cases of Zika and chikungunya. "The last time Curaçao experienced a dengue outbreak was in 2010 and 2011. However, we did not see as many infections as we are seeing now."
In 2015 and 2016, mosquito-borne diseases were also prevalent on the island, with outbreaks of the Zika virus and chikungunya. According to Halabi, Zika and chikungunya are currently present on the island, along with an emerging disease expected to reach Curaçao: the oropouche virus.
Prevention Measures GMN stresses the importance of preventive measures. "It is crucial for hotels, as well as households, to identify mosquito breeding sites," says Halabi. "It has been demonstrated that mosquitoes lay eggs not only in clean water but also in 'dirty' water, such as sewage." The ministry advises both residents and tourists to take precautionary measures when visiting the island.