PORT-OF-SPAIN – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been diagnosed with dengue fever, but a statement from her office said that she is resting “comfortably”.
The statement said that Persad-Bissessar had been diagnosed with the classical type of dengue and that “it is the less severe strain”.
“While I was consulting with the Minister of Health (Dr Fuad Khan) on how to enhance and intensify the education drive Government has embarked on to sensitise the population on dengue fever, I became a victim of it myself.
“This indicates that no one is immune from this dangerous disease, and it reinforces that the entire population must be extremely vigilant and take the necessary precautions to prevent contracting dengue, especially with children.
“Let me also emphasise the need to immediately seek professional medical attention if you have any symptoms of dengue, which include fever, body pains and headaches, since treating the disease as an ordinary flu can cause more medical problems,” she said.
The prime minister said she had been advised that she could work from home while she continues to receive medical supervision.
“I will continue to run the affairs of state unless otherwise advised by my doctors that it is not practical so to do. I wish to inform the population that despite my illness I am following all medical instructions so as to ensure that I will soon be back on my feet and fully functioning,” she said.
Last week, the Ministry of Health said that more than 1 800 person had contracted the disease that was spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito. A nine year old child has since died as a result of the disease.
The government has since embarked upon an eradication programme across the country as well as a multi-media education and sensitization progrmme. (CMC)
