There have been cases identified on island. However, the department is still awaiting confirmation from Australia if these cases are actually dengue.
The department has advised the public to avoid mosquito bites and start purchasing mosquito repellent and coils to protect them from getting bitten by the mosquito that spreads the virus.
It also advises the public to help reduce the number of mosquitoes in Yap by cleaning all the trash and get rid of open coconuts and anything that can collect water. It is in the small pool of water where the mosquitoes lay their eggs. Any reduction in the number of mosquitoes will prevent a possible outbreak.
The department is encouraging the public to visit the hospital or the community health centers if they suspect any symptoms of the dengue fever. The common signs of dengue are headache, fever, joint pain, rash, nausea and sometimes bleeding.
In an effort to keep the spread of dengue at minimal, the department will be sending a team to conduct home inspections and assist in ways to eradicate the mosquito from our islands.
