Dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is a common disease in tropical countries.

Since 1976, epidemics of dengue fever have been occurring in Trinidad every two or three years. The epidemics have been most intense in the 1990s. There were 3,060 reported dengue cases in 1993 and that figure increasing to 3,588 such cases in 1996.

It has also been reported, that every year during the rainy season, there is an increase in the number of persons suffering from dengue fever as the breeding sites for the aedes aegypti mosquito increase during that period.

This broadcast seeks to enlighten pupils about the disease dengue fever, how it is spread, the symptoms of dengue fever and how it can be prevented.

Important facts:

Dengue fever is caused by a virus which is transmitted from persons to persons by the bite of an infected aedes aegypti mosquito.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Sudden onset of high fever.
2. Severe headache.
3. Backache and pains in other parts of the body especially in muscles and joints.
4. Pain behind the eyes.
5. There may be a rash on the third and fourth day, on different parts of the body.

Symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic:

• High fever
• Headache and facial flushing
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Discomfort/pain - upper abdomen (belly) particularly on right side (may be generalized)
• Bleeding tendencies.
• Bleeding from skin, gums, nostril, gastrointestinal tract (black stools, vomiting blood,
• Blood in urine
• Coughing up blood
• Heavy vaginal bleeding

Critical stages:

• After two to seven days, the fever may subside and may be subnormal. Patient may go into shock with sweating, restlessness and cold extremities.

Warning signs:

• Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following is being experienced.

• Severe abdominal (belly) pain especially on third day (two to seven days)
• Frequent and large volume vomiting.
• Fluctuating temperatures with profuse sweating or fainting.
• Restlessness or lethargy.

• Avoid the use of aspirin, cataflam, olfen, ibuprofen, motrin. Seek prompt medical attention.

Prevention of dengue:

1. Get rid of all water containers that are liable to breed mosquitoes - coconut shells, tins, bottles, drums, plastic cups and tubs.
2. Cover all water barrels with tight fitting wire mesh so as to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.
3. All household and garden containers such as vases and flower pots, should be thoroughly washed and scrubbed at lest once per week, so as to destroy Aedes aegypti eggs which might be clinging tot he sides of containers.
4. Provide a dustbin with a tight-fitting cover for storage and disposal of refuse and keep dustbins covered at all times.
5. Cut down and remove all bush liable to harbor mosquitoes.
6. All containers which have been treated should not be emptied of their contents.

Aims and Objectives:

At the end of the broadcast pupils should be able to:-

1. State how dengue fever is caused.
2. List four symptoms of dengue fever.
3. Describe four preventive measures that can be taken.
4. Feel committed to protecting themselves and environment from the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
5. Share the information on dengue with family members.

Suggested follow-up:

Encourage pupils to prepare a table showing the relevant information about disease under the following headings - Disease, Cause, Symptoms, Incubation period, Prevention, Treatment.

Curriculum area/level:

Upper primary and Post-primary, Secondary to CXC O' Levels, Technical/ Vocational Centres, Adult Education Centres, and Teachers' Colleges.

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