First dengue death

A man has been confirmed as the first recorded death from dengue fever in Barbados, the Ministry of Health revealed yesterday.Chief Medical Officer Dr Joy St John expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and is urging Barbadians who are experiencing symptoms of dengue fever, including sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain; or symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever such as bleeding from nose, mouth and gums, frequent vomiting or difficulty breathing, to seek immediate medical attention.The Ministry of Health is continuing to enhance its vector control and prevention activities, including collaboration with the Ministry of Education to conduct inspection and fogging of schools.  Regular fogging of areas with heavy mosquito infestation will continue.   Barbadians are also reminded to check their premises for possible mosquito breeding places and to cover water containers such as buckets, small plastic containers and drums or to dispose of these in a proper manner in order to reduce mosquito breeding. (BGIS)