By Elizabeth Garrido A. for La Prensa - Anyone who has already had dengue fever is more vulnerable to contracting dengue hemorrhagic fever, warn the authorities of the Ministry of Health (MINSA). Health Minister Franklin Vergara expressed concern about the situation, and he said that out of 100 Panamanians, 18 might die due to dengue hemorrhagic fever if actions are not taken to eliminate the mosquito that transmits the disease. Meanwhile, the Chief of MINSA's Department of Epidemiology, Dr. Gladys Guerrero, said there are currently 1,194 confirmed cases of classic dengue thus far this year, eight confirmed cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever, and another eight cases that are suspected to be dengue hemorrhagic fever, according to a press release. The larva is born infected - According to Minister Vergara, now the larva of Aedes aegypti has been strengthened. Now "it is already infected when it hatches," warned the official on the TVN morning news program today. "Before, the mosquito had to find a person who was infected with dengue, bite that person, and then continue to spread the disease." said Vergara. "But now it's worse. Now they hatch already infected," he said. This means the chances of being bitten by a mosquito capable of transmitting dengue hemorrhagic fever have increased, he said. Vergara also noted that patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever present "spontaneous bleeding, either by mouth, gastritis, a polyp or even through a hemorrhage in the brain." The health minister emphasized the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding places of Aedes aegypti to prevent further transmission of dengue.
Editor's Comment: Your daily does of dengue. Panamanian health authorities are on a full-court press to get the word out. We're helping.
Article from: Panama Guide
