Dr. James Hospedales, head of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), has predicted that regional countries will have a dengue type three epidemic to deal with next year.
In a Caribbean and Latin America panel discussion on regional coordination in responding to hazards and matters of security earlier this week, Dr. Hospedales said the epidemic is likely to be stronger. His prediction, he said, is based on the neglect of the environment by regional people.
Dr. Hospedales said published information states that, though the types of dengue fever may vary, they create the same effect.
The symptoms include a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting as well as swollen glands or rash. Symptoms usually last for two to seven days.
Dr. Hospedales noted that the Caribbean has been going through an abnormal spell as it relates to viral infections.
He added that the onset of another round of dengue infections do not only spell personal discomfort for many across the region, but threatens the livelihood of the Caribbean.
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