Philipsburg:--- The Dengue Action Response Team (DART) has stepped up its response and control activities which include the enhancing of surveillance; an intensification of the house to house inspections; a stepped-up public awareness campaign; inspection of construction sites; and an island-wide clean-up campaign. Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper Molanus said that the Executive Council has approved Naf 319,700 to carry out the action plan.
Already one person has died from dengue hemorrhagic dengue while a 54-year old man from the Netherlands has died of dengue shock syndrome. The man is said to be a constant visitor to the island. Buncamper Molanus said so far medical specialist from the Netherlands had a probably underlying medical condition and therefore this case is presently still under medical evaluation in the Netherlands.
Health officials has confirmed that there are DEN 1, 2 and 4 on the island, the commissioner said.
Preparations are taken to step up house to house inspections. These inspections will be carried out by a team of over 30 civil servants the commissioner said. Government also plans to reassign some of its civil servants to make sure the necessary manpower is in place to deal with the outbreak on the island.
For the month of October there has been some 40 confirmed cases of dengue while there was 48 in September.
Buncamper Molanus said the island has a real situation on its hands which has to be dealt with. This situation she said requires the complete support of the entire community.
The health commissioner urged every individual and every household have to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding within their surroundings.
"If you do not take any measures to prevent mosquito breeding, you are not only putting yourself at risks but that of your family and neighbors as well." Buncamper Molanus said. "If you take the attitude that you won't get dengue fever, I would say, first look around at your surroundings to see if you have mosquitoes. Take measures to prevent mosquito breeding and you and your family will have a higher chance of not becoming infected."
The commissioner has urged the community to begin using insect repellants on exposed skin. Repellants containing Deet she said is more effective.