DILI, 21 May 2020 (TATOLI) – Dili Health Workers have recorded six deaths from Dengue Fever among 706 cases since the current outbreak began in January.
The Director of Dili Health Workers, Agostina Segurado, said the patients were mostly children under the age of 11.
“We continue to work with fumigation [at] the affected places. Aside from COVID-19, we also [run] public awareness about dengue cases,” Director Segurado said yesterday.
The latest report also shows also the number of patients with respiratory disease in April reached 10,897; skin disease 1,557; and diarrhoea 1,483.
Dr Segurado said the Health Ministry regularly fumigates public spaces to remove possible mosquito breeding sites, and that it has sufficient chemicals to carry out the work.
Read more from April this year: Dengue Infections Top 1,000, Death Toll Rises to Eight
She said the number of cases of dengue in Dili is declining.
“For example, when we compare last month to this month the number of dengue patients has decreased indeed,” she said.
Health NGO Red Cross Timor-Leste (CVTL) conducted public awareness campaigns in Ermera District earlier this month, encouraging residents clean up around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
“Dengue is a serious disease caused by mosquitos with no cure. It is important that everyone is aware of this disease and what to do in your daily lives to prevent it. Remember Prevention is better than cure!” CVTL President, Madelana Hanjam said.
Journalist: Felicidade Ximenes
Editors: Robert Baird, Agapito dos Santos
Translation: Nelia Borges
First published on May 21 in Tetum: Durante Fulan Lima, Dengue Hamate Ema Na’in Neen iha Dili
