Western Regional Director Advises on Dengue Fever Prevention

The Western Regional Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Simon Gbene, has advised the public to take preventive measures against Dengue fever by avoiding mosquito bites and wearing protective clothing. Dengue fever is a serious viral disease common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, primarily spread through the bites of Aedes aegypti-infected female mosquitoes.

Dr. Gbene emphasized that although Dengue fever shares similar symptoms with malaria, the two diseases are caused by different pathogens; malaria is caused by a parasite, while Dengue fever is caused by a virus. He highlighted that there are four serotypes of the dengue virus, with three (DEN-1, DENV-2, DENV-3) identified in the African region. Burkina Faso, in particular, has recorded high cases of the disease.

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific medication available for Dengue fever, making prevention crucial. Dr. Gbene advised the public to use insect repellents, wear long sleeves, and eliminate containers that hold water where mosquitoes can breed.

Symptoms of Dengue fever include severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, high fever, body aches, muscle, bone, and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, rash, and mild bleeding from the nose or gums. These symptoms can only be managed with painkillers, preferably paracetamol.

Although no cases have been recorded in the western region, Dr. Gbene urged the public to implement preventive measures to prevent the disease from entering the region. He advised people to wear protective clothing, sleep under treated mosquito nets, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and follow health professionals' advice.

In addition, Dr. Gbene recommended that individuals visit the hospital if they notice any symptoms for early diagnosis and management, given that no known cure exists for Dengue fever.

Supporting this advisory, Dr. Yaw Ofori Yeboah, Regional Director of Health Service, stated that the region has intensified surveillance despite no recorded cases and reiterated the importance of avoiding mosquito bites.