ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, March 17 2015 – Speculation is rife that there might be a dengue outbreak following the sudden deaths of three young, seemingly healthy, workers at the V.C. Birth International Airport.
But the Ministry of Health said the test result of a sample from one of the individuals suspected of dying of dengue fever, has come back negative.
Health officials, who issued a press statement yesterday afternoon, did not release the identity of the deceased.
It is still too early to breathe a sigh of relief as the results are still pending in two more dengue suspected deaths of persons who also worked within the VC Bird International Airport terminal.
And, there are six additional cases of people complaining of symptoms of dengue, which include: high fever, muscle and joint pain and a rash, among other things.
In the statement following a meeting on Monday, the ministry said the tests on the samples in the three deaths were done at the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
Two individuals are reportedly in isolation at Mount St John’s Medical Centre on suspicion they have the mosquito-borne dengue virus.
One of them, a man, was reportedly admitted yesterday, while the female has been there for a few days.
The Ministry of Health said while it awaits test results, it will continue to intensify vector control activities and public awareness and education.
These include fogging, inspection of premises, the identification and destruction of mosquito breeding sites as well as advice and immediate measures to eliminate such sites.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas is reminding residents that the continued combined efforts of the communities and health professionals is critical to preventing the spread of both vector borne diseases chikungunya and dengue fever.
