WILLEMSTAD - The government of Curaçao, in collaboration with volunteer groups, is conducting cleanup campaigns on the island to prevent the further spread of dengue fever. Three people have already died from the disease on the island this year. The additional cleaning measures aim to eliminate as many mosquito breeding grounds as possible, the government announced on Thursday.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas stated that there is no crisis, but the situation must be taken very seriously. Currently, several people are seriously ill.
Melissa Arias from the Ministry of Health stated that "everything possible must be done to prevent mosquitoes from finding breeding grounds and biting more people." With the help of the community, dengue fever can be kept under control, she believes.
The Aruban Minister of Tourism and Public Health, Dangui Oduber, decided on Thursday to intensify preventive measures to prevent further spread of dengue fever. According to him, there is currently no outbreak in Aruba, but he is concerned that one could occur.
"Wear clothing with long sleeves and pants"
According to Oduber, all residents of Aruba should store or remove buckets, tires, and planters in and around the house. Residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing clothing with long sleeves and long pants and spraying heavily with insect repellent.
Dengue fever, also known as dengue, is most common in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It causes severe joint pain. The disease is usually not fatal and can be treated with pain relievers.
Severe cases are treated with fluids. If the disease is not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to death. An estimated 90 million people worldwide are infected with the dengue virus each year. Of these cases, 500,000 are severe.