Vanuatu Red Cross is continuing its response to the dengue fever outbreak.
A health team was at Emae, monitoring community mobilisation and awareness work.
As at 3 April, total number of cases notified for the two provinces where the Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) is focused are Shefa 1,271 and Malampa 166.
According to a report on ReliefWeb, in terms of the two Island locations that the EPoA community mobilization and awareness activities are focused: Emae has had three cases confirmed and 11 cases suspected. Malekula has had 166 notified cases.
According to the data provided by the MoH, dengue cases have showed a downward trend since peaking at the end of January 2017.
The report says data provided by the MoH may have limitations due to issues associated with reporting.
Data presented does not take into account unreported cases of dengue. With this current situation, number of cases suspected 2,358 with 446 confirmed, the National Dengue Task Force (NDTF) has issued a press statement to focus on education and awareness as the key preventive measure to control this epidemic.
The recent passing of Tropical Cyclone Cook resulted in localised flooding and drenching of villages across the country.
According to Vanuatu Red Cross, community mobilisation in Emae and all other places is vital in managing the greater risk of dengue and other vector borne diseases.
Destroying mosquito breeding sites, seeking early treatment for dengue symptoms and preventing exposure to mosquitos are simple but important activities that communities need to take to prevent dengue and other vector borne diseases.
Photo by Vanuatu Red Cross