Dengue fever in Baja
Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 7:03 pm
just passing on an alert that I received today in the Ventana View from Tom Sullivan:
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La Paz, Baja Sur, Thursday, October 4, 2012, PeninuslarDigital.com:
Health officials in La Paz reported that since the recent rains the number of reported cases of dengue fever has tripled. They have verified 31 cases of classic dengue, and one of the more dangerous hemorrhagic type.
There are four types of Dengue fever; each one can only be contracted once. However, a second infection from a different virus is more likely to result in hemorrhagic symptoms. Hospitalization and intravenous fluids are sometimes required to prevent dehydration and secondary infections that can cause death. The last major Dengue epidemic in Baja Sur occurred in the fall of 2003, after the rains from hurricanes Ignacio and Marty. Those who survived the disease report it is a very unpleasant experience.
The disease is spread by the Aedes Mosquito, also known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito. This is a small mosquito with characteristic white markings on its body and legs. While it is most active during the daytime, especially at dawn and dusk, it also bites at night. It does its job quickly, landing, biting and taking off before most people can swat it away. It often seeks ankles or exposed arms and legs. Now is the time to take precautions to protect yourself if you plan to come to Baja Sur or other areas of Mexico where cases of dengue are reported every year; and now is the time to take steps to prevent a major increase in the Aedes Mosquito population in La Ventana and El Sargento.
1. Bring mosquito repellent and mosquito netting with you. In 2003, stores in La Paz quickly ran out of mosquito repellent. Many outdoor/recreation type stores in the US and Canada carry inexpensive mosquito netting hoods that can be worn over a hat to protect your face from bites.
2. Especially at dawn and dusk, wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. Use repellent on exposed skin.
3. Make sure window screens are in good repair and keep unscreened doors closed from dusk to dawn.
4. Check for and repair any mosquito breeding environments in the neighborhood where you are staying. Since Aedes mosquitos usually remain within a 180 meter radius of where they hatch out, places where they lay eggs will be near their hosts -- people. Drain standing water. Empty rain water collected in containers around houses and other buildings. Litter, bird baths and drainage systems can also hold stagnant water.
5. Make sure water storage and septic tank vents for houses and trailers are screened; if you screened vents a few years ago, they may have rusted through or disintegrated as a recent check of properties in El Sargento found. Check and replace.
6. Old car tires collect water; check any used in retaining walls, or any you see disposed of outdoors.
Do your part to make this a safe winter in Baja Sur. Tom S.
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La Paz, Baja Sur, Thursday, October 4, 2012, PeninuslarDigital.com:
Health officials in La Paz reported that since the recent rains the number of reported cases of dengue fever has tripled. They have verified 31 cases of classic dengue, and one of the more dangerous hemorrhagic type.
There are four types of Dengue fever; each one can only be contracted once. However, a second infection from a different virus is more likely to result in hemorrhagic symptoms. Hospitalization and intravenous fluids are sometimes required to prevent dehydration and secondary infections that can cause death. The last major Dengue epidemic in Baja Sur occurred in the fall of 2003, after the rains from hurricanes Ignacio and Marty. Those who survived the disease report it is a very unpleasant experience.
The disease is spread by the Aedes Mosquito, also known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito. This is a small mosquito with characteristic white markings on its body and legs. While it is most active during the daytime, especially at dawn and dusk, it also bites at night. It does its job quickly, landing, biting and taking off before most people can swat it away. It often seeks ankles or exposed arms and legs. Now is the time to take precautions to protect yourself if you plan to come to Baja Sur or other areas of Mexico where cases of dengue are reported every year; and now is the time to take steps to prevent a major increase in the Aedes Mosquito population in La Ventana and El Sargento.
1. Bring mosquito repellent and mosquito netting with you. In 2003, stores in La Paz quickly ran out of mosquito repellent. Many outdoor/recreation type stores in the US and Canada carry inexpensive mosquito netting hoods that can be worn over a hat to protect your face from bites.
2. Especially at dawn and dusk, wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. Use repellent on exposed skin.
3. Make sure window screens are in good repair and keep unscreened doors closed from dusk to dawn.
4. Check for and repair any mosquito breeding environments in the neighborhood where you are staying. Since Aedes mosquitos usually remain within a 180 meter radius of where they hatch out, places where they lay eggs will be near their hosts -- people. Drain standing water. Empty rain water collected in containers around houses and other buildings. Litter, bird baths and drainage systems can also hold stagnant water.
5. Make sure water storage and septic tank vents for houses and trailers are screened; if you screened vents a few years ago, they may have rusted through or disintegrated as a recent check of properties in El Sargento found. Check and replace.
6. Old car tires collect water; check any used in retaining walls, or any you see disposed of outdoors.
Do your part to make this a safe winter in Baja Sur. Tom S.
