Jamaicans are asked not to use aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or drugs/painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat dengue symptoms.
Dr Nadine Williams, director of health services planning and integration, says rest and adequate hydration are usually sufficient to get people through periods of illness.
She said the recommended treatment for fever is acetaminophen or paracetamol.
“Using these drugs (NSAIDs) for dengue fever is known to increase the severity of the disease. Severe dengue fever can cause organ failure, hemorrhage, and severe body fluid depletion, leading to shock and death. ” said Dr. Williams.
She spoke at a post-Cabinet press conference held at Jamaica House on September 27.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is usually a mild illness that may cause symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, and muscle pain. Jamaica declared an outbreak of the disease on September 23.
Anyone experiencing fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, subcutaneous or other abnormal bleeding, feeling extremely weak, or confused should seek immediate medical attention.
Meanwhile, Williams noted that since 2019, the government, through the Department of Health and Human Services, has spent more than $300 million to purchase vehicles, fogging equipment, and expand the number of staff dedicated to vector control programs.
In anticipation of a possible outbreak, the ministry implemented an enhanced vector-virus removal program in July of this year.
Measures include hiring 500 temporary vector control staff to work alongside 213 permanent staff.
An additional 600 temporary personnel will be employed in search and destruction operations and health education activities.
– JIS News
Follow The Gleaner on X (formerly Twitter), @JamaicaGleaner on Instagram and @GleanerJamaica on Facebook. Send us a message on WhatsApp (1-876-499-0169) or email us at onlinefacebook@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.
