Mauritius is now under siege as health authorities grapple with an alarming surge in dengue fever cases. Multiple areas across the island have been hit hard, with a staggering 210 cases reported between June 3 and July 23.
Mauritius Island stands at the epicentre of this health scare, bearing the brunt with 156 cases. The neighbouring Rodrigues Island has not escaped unscathed, with 57 cases adding to the mounting concern.
Desperate to combat the relentless spread, health officials have reportedly taken bold measures to curb the outbreak. Fumigation has been deployed in the areas that have reported disease activity, as a desperate bid to drive the disease-carrying mosquitoes away.
Contact tracing is underway in an intense effort to identify and isolate individuals who may have come into contact with the infected. Yet, despite these tireless efforts, the situation remains precarious.
This harrowing situation marks the most extensive dengue fever outbreak in recent memory.
Lurking menace
Dengue fever has long been a lurking menace in Mauritius, threatening year-round. The most vulnerable months, with heightened risk, are February and March.
Strikingly, there were no confirmed cases of dengue fever in 2022 and 2021, painting an alarming contrast to the dire situation in 2023. In 2020, 228 cases were reported, and 152 cases were documented in 2019.
In the fight against dengue, some countries offer a vaccine. But the recommendation is strictly for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in countries facing severe dengue fever burdens. Transmission of this malicious disease occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes, and its onset can be swift and merciless.
Watch for warning signs: a sudden fever followed by intense headaches, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rashes, and alarming nose or gum bleeding. The symptoms may appear 5-7 days after a fateful mosquito bite, but can lurk for up to 10 days, keeping the infected on edge.
This is no time for complacency. Dengue fever can escalate into a life-threatening condition known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), potentially snuffing out lives unless identified and treated promptly.
Source: Defi Media
