DILI, 28 february 2024 (TATOLI) – As of february 26, a total of 460 dengue cases and five dengue-related deaths were reported nationally.
Of the 460 cases, 142 cases were recorded in Dili, 83 in Bobonaro, 77 in Manatuto, 71 in Baucau, 27 in Ermera, 21 in Liquica, 12 in Manufahi, and 9 in each of the municipalities of Lautem, Viqueque, and Ainaro, according to the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH).
Meanwhile, of the five dengue-related deaths, two were recorded in Ainaro, two in Bobonaro, and one in Manatuto.
According to the data of NIPH, the number of chikungunya cases remained the same since the end of January, with 88 cases in Dili, 81 in Ermera, 14 in Liquica, seven in Lautem, and five in Bobonaro. In addition, only one case of Zika has been recorded so far in Ermera.
Dengue fever causes a high fever — 104 F (40 C) — and any of the following signs and symptoms: headache; muscle, bone or joint pain; nausea; vomiting; pain behind the eyes, swollen glands and rash.
Severe dengue happens when the blood vessels become damaged and leaky. And the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in the bloodstream drops. This can lead to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death.
Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne alphavirus transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. Humans are the primary reservoir during epidemics. Before 2013, outbreaks had been described in Africa, Southern Europe, Asia, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Most people infected with Chikungunya virus become symptomatic. The incubation period is typically 3–7 days (range 1–12 days). The most common clinical findings are acute onset of fever and polyarthralgia. Joint pains are usually bilateral, symmetric, and often severe and debilitating.
While the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain. Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected mosquito. Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites. Zika can cause birth defects and is linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to WHO.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
