It’s a disease that lives up to the street name. Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, packs a punch with high fever, intense headaches, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, and more. It’s a deluxe package of suffering that can leave you fatigued for weeks, if you’re lucky enough to survive.
Recently, Trinidad and Tobago recorded its first dengue fatality in five years, reminding us of the seriousness of this mosquito-borne virus. And it’s not just here, dengue is on the rise worldwide due to changing climatic conditions that favor the spread of the disease.
With higher temperatures and increased rainfall expanding the life cycles and ranges of the mosquitoes that carry dengue, the battle against this disease is becoming more challenging. Fogging, a common method of control, is limited in its impact and can even harm beneficial insects.
But there is hope with renewed efforts to clear overgrown areas and stagnant water breeding zones. A more aggressive public education campaign is also crucial to raise awareness of the dangers of dengue and prevention measures.
It’s time to take dengue seriously and work together to keep breakbone fever at bay. By implementing a multi-faceted approach and staying informed, we can reduce the risk of infection and protect our communities from this pernicious disease.
