Cayman Islands reports no dengue fever cases

The heath authority says there is no sustained transmission of the disease even though the disease-carrying mosquito is present.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Monday September 26, 2011 – The Cayman Islands is reporting no cases of dengue fever for the year, amid fears caused by an outbreak in some Caribbean territories.

The heath authority has issued a travel advisory stating the Cayman Islands are still considered not endemic to dengue, as there is no sustained transmission of the disease here.

"With the regional outbreak in mind, we are not complacent and medical personnel are on high alert to look for any local cases," Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar said.

The authorities said seven cases were reported last year, two of which were imported.

"Dengue fever is caused by a virus, but a mosquito biting a person with dengue fever can spread the virus to another person. Hence persons, who develop symptoms within two to three weeks of having returned from countries with dengue cases, are advised to consult their physician," Dr. Kumar explained, while noting the dengue carrier - the Aedes aegyptii mosquito - is present in the Cayman Islands.

Dengue fever outbreaks have been reported in Aruba, Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago among other countries.

The US Centre for Disease Control recently issued a travel advisory and outbreak notice to its citizens travelling to the Bahamas, and listed precautionary measures persons should take to avoid mosquito bites.

The symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pains, nausea and vomiting, eye pain, and rash. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)