During the months of April and May 2023, countries in the Latin American region such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and the Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe have sounded the alarm about a drastic increase in dengue cases in their countries. This situation has put Aruba’s Department of Public Health, DVG, on high alert and preparedness, considering that Aruba is a tourist destination that receives daily visitors from different regions, including the Latin American region currently experiencing a dengue outbreak.
Currently, Aruba generally has a low index of mosquito breeding due to a lack of rainfall. However, despite the lack of rain, personnel from the GKMB section always continue to find mosquito breeding sites in homes within the community, such as water-filled containers, puddles, ponds, and air-conditioning water trays, among others. In anticipation of the rainy season, which typically occurs from June to December, if every citizen is not alert and takes necessary action by eliminating breeding sites, Aruba may also experience an increase in dengue cases.
In the first five months of 2023, the Epidemiology and Research section of DVG received a total of 24 notifications of suspected dengue cases, of which 10 dengue cases were confirmed through laboratory tests. Healthcare providers will closely monitor this situation.
Symptoms of dengue include, among others:
High and acute fever
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Joint and muscle pain
Eye pain
Rash on the body
The Department of Public Health urges individuals experiencing high fever and two or more of these mentioned symptoms to contact their primary care physician or healthcare provider to undergo the necessary tests and receive the required guidance, care, and supervision.
For more information, please visit our Facebook page: Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba, follow us on Instagram: directie_volksgezondheid_aruba, visit our website: www.dvg.aw, call us at 5224200, or email us at [email protected].
