The statement assured that the Cayman Islands “is well-prepared to address vector-borne diseases, thanks to the close collaboration between MRCU, the Ministry of Health, and the HSA”.
These agencies, it said, work together to conduct surveillance, provide testing and implement targeted mosquito-control measures.
“Our ability to test locally for both the Oropouche and Dengue viruses ensures timely diagnosis and a swift public health response,” said Jonathan Smellie, Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory manager.
The multi-agency statement called on the public to take precautions against vector-borne diseases, following regional reports of increased spread of the viruses.
“Vectors are living organisms, usually biting insects (such as mosquitoes), that can transmit parasites, viruses and bacteria that cause illness. Oropouche virus disease and Dengue are two such vector-borne diseases,” the statement said.
How the public can help:
Eliminate standing water: Regularly remove water from containers, gutters and other mosquito-breeding sites.
Use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and ensure windows and doors have proper screens.
Be Vigilant when travelling: Take precautions in regions with reported cases, and seek medical advice if symptoms appear after returning.
Carlos Peçanha, senior researcher at MRCU, added that vector-borne diseases “don’t recognise borders. Our success depends on a community-wide effort, from controlling mosquito breeding sites to using personal protective measures.”
This week, Cayman hosted a regional meeting on vector-borne disease preparedness, organised in collaboration with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Caribbean Vector Borne Disease Network (CariVecNet), and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
The event, entitled ‘Networking for Improved Responsiveness’, ran from 19 to 21 Nov., in Grand Cayman.
“The urgency of this meeting follows record-high Dengue cases reported in the Americas and the Caribbean in 2023, which have already been surpassed in 2024,” a previous statement on the conference said.
Premier and Health Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said ahead of the meeting, “Our region faces an escalating threat from mosquito-borne diseases, and it is clear that we must act together to strengthen our defences. This meeting underscores our commitment to building a unified response, knowledge sharing, and deploying resources strategically to protect health and wellbeing across the Caribbean.”
Fast facts:
Dengue fever: Spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Symptoms: Fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, potentially life-threatening complications in severe cases
Oropouche fever: Caused by the Oropouche virus, transmitted by Culicoides paraensis midges and Culex mosquitoes
Symptoms: Fever, headache and joint pain. While severe complications are rare, the disease can be misdiagnosed as dengue.
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Publish date : 2024-11-21 13:47:00
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