Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Ministry has confirmed that two samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency lab in Trinidad were positive for dengue fever.
The ministry is warning islanders, who believe they are infected with dengue, not to take Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Advil and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
The ministry recommended that persons use other fever-reducing agents such as Paracetamol, Panadol and Cetamol.
Symptoms of dengue include: fever, headache, rash, vomiting which could lead to dehydration, muscle pain, dark coloured stool and bleeding from the nose and mouth. Parents are also reminded to pay close attention to babies, who may become dehydrated and cry without tears and use fewer diapers.
The ministry reminded islanders that they have a part to play in controlling the spread of dengue by eliminating mosquito populations and their breeding sites.
The Vector Control Unit at the Central Board of Health will continue to carryout measures to reduce the mosquito population.
Source: Loop Caribbean