HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Guam now has two confirmed cases of dengue fever this year, according to the Department of Public Health and Social Services. The department announced confirmation of the second case in a release Monday, adding that it is most likely an imported case.
“Although dengue fever is not endemic to Guam, unlike many parts of Asia and other parts of the Pacific, this new case highlights it as an ongoing threat to the health of our people,” DPHSS Chief Environmental Public Health Officer Tom Nadeau stated in the release.
The Division of Environmental Health at DPHSS canvassed homes within the neighborhood of the confirmed dengue case on Monday, according to the release. The division also continues its weekly mosquito surveillance in select areas with vulnerable populations and at ports of entry, the release added.
“As a reminder, the dengue virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot spread directly from person-to-person. Those who live in, or travel to, an area where the dengue virus is endemic, are susceptible to receiving the virus from mosquito bites. DEH advises the community that although dengue fever is not endemic to Guam, the island has the mosquito-vector that can transmit the disease. DEH is advising the community to do their best to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes and to assist in removing mosquito breeding sites,” the release stated.
Guam has seen a number of dengue cases arise over the past few years. While recent confirmations have been minimal, the number of cases surged in 2019. These included locally acquired cases, the first to have been confirmed in 75 years.
According to Monday’s DPHSS release, a person infected with the dengue virus will have fever for two to seven days. During that time, the virus can be transferred to mosquitoes if they bite and feed on the infected person.
DPHSS states that during the time an infected person has a fever, they should remain indoors to avoid being bitten, and should not go to school or work.
Residents should see their healthcare providers if they experience any of the following symptoms of dengue fever:
- Fever
- Aches and pains
- Rash
- Mild bleeding usually around the nose or gums
- DPHSS says to immediately visit your nearest hospital emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms of a severe form of dengue fever, called dengue hemorrhagic fever:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Significant bleeding
- Lethargy or restlessness
Blood tests will be ordered to diagnose dengue, according to the DPHSS release.
“Take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by applying insect repellant and wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants. Mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus favor smaller areas of still water. Individuals can assist in removing mosquito breeding sites by emptying or discarding items that can collect water,” the release added.
For more information contact DEH’s Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program at (671) 300-9579 or email Niel Tirador, Environmental Public Health Officer I, at niel.tirador@dphss.guam.gov.
This photo taken in 2019 shows stagnant water trapped inside an old tire, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus.
