The Government of St. Lucia has placed the population on
high alert for the impact of a dengue fever outbreak.
Officials of the Ministry of Health say the move is aimed at mitigating the country's exposure to the virus as reports of dengue fever increase in the region.
A statement from the department says that although there has been no reported case of dengue in St. Lucia, local health professionals believe that the current environmental conditions can sustain a dengue epidemic.
The government's contingency plans include the re-introduction of a more sensitive surveillance system aimed at tracking the disease.
To date health authorities in Martinique, Jamaica and Puerto Rico have reported an upsurge in the number of cases of mosquito borne diseases.
Dengue fever is a communicable disease that is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, pain in the joints and back of the eyes, and a rash on the torso.
Officials of the Ministry of Health say the move is aimed at mitigating the country's exposure to the virus as reports of dengue fever increase in the region.
A statement from the department says that although there has been no reported case of dengue in St. Lucia, local health professionals believe that the current environmental conditions can sustain a dengue epidemic.
The government's contingency plans include the re-introduction of a more sensitive surveillance system aimed at tracking the disease.
To date health authorities in Martinique, Jamaica and Puerto Rico have reported an upsurge in the number of cases of mosquito borne diseases.
Dengue fever is a communicable disease that is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, pain in the joints and back of the eyes, and a rash on the torso.
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