The Ministry of health has confirmed its first case of dengue fever in the first week of the year in Vanuatu.
The case was reported at Vila Central Hospital.
“The person with the infection is a visitor who was believed to be infected in another country before coming to Vanuatu,” said Director of Public Health, Len Tarivonda.
The Public Health Department is advising the public to take preventive measures to prevent the spread of dengue.
One of the best ways to prevent dengue infection is to avoid mosquito bites by wearing clothes that cover much of the body.
“Sleep under a mosquito net during the day, use insect repellent, use physical barriers such as screens and close doors and windows”
“Anyone suspected to have symptoms of dengue infection should visit the nearest healthcare facility immediately for accurate testing and follow up.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), through the national and provincial disease surveillance system, is monitoring the dengue situation in Vanuatu.
Tarivonda said church, school and community leaders must mobilize people and clean up around homes, community and public areas to prevent and reduce dengue virus transmission.
Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito which is the same type of mosquito that spread Zika virus, Chikungunya and Yellow fever.
Symptoms of dengue include, nausea and vomiting, muscle or joint pain, severe headache pain behind the eyes and rash.
Photo supplied Caption: Aedes mosquito spreads dengue