Opinion: Move fast to arrest spread of Dengue fever

PHOTO:COURTESY

In the lead-up to the 2016 Rio, Brazil Olympics, an outbreak of the Zika virus and Dengue fever threatened to throw the games into disarray as it was feared participants would shirk from going to Brazil for the event. Both the Zika virus and Dengue fever are spread by mosquitoes.

Mombasa County health officials have issued an alert over the outbreak of Dengue fever. So far, 150 have been diagnosed with the fever and this should worry us.

First, the fever is likely to spread to other areas with high casualty rates. In 2014, three deaths arising from Dengue fever were reported in Mombasa.

Scientists say Dengue fever thrives in highly unhygienic environments and highly populated habitats. Notably, heavy rains pounding parts of the Coast region causing heavy flooding and stagnant water pools, where mosquitoes readily breed, might have contributed to the fast spread.

The outbreak comes at a time the country has renewed its efforts to combat the killer malaria that has shown signs of resurgence in the recent past.

People suffering from malaria and Dengue fever exhibit almost similar symptoms. Making the distinction while treating patients may pose some challenges to medics.

This therefore is the reason why the Government should spare no effort in ensuring the spread is arrested by first eliminating mosquitoes from areas where they pose the greatest threats.