Chief Medical Officer Dr Anton Cumberbatch recently warned citizens even though dengue reported cases are in specific areas, people living in areas without such cases should be vigilant.

“The more often you get dengue fever is the more likely you will get complications. Our children are particularly at risk,” Cumberbatch added. The symptoms of dengue fever are: high fever, headache, rash, swollen glands, joint and muscle pain. These symptoms can last seven to ten days. If after three (3) to four (4) days, vomiting and abdominal pains persist even though the fever has reduced, citizens should seek medical care immediately. Other signs may include severe pain behind the eyes, bleeding gums and nose or under the skin, or red palms and soles.

Cumberbatch also advised nationals, to visit the health facilities as soon as these symptoms occur and not to be impatient and leave the health institutions without being attended to. Residents of T&T should refrain from taking Aspirin and aspirin-related medication, if they believe they may have contracted the dengue virus, since it is believed that aspirin can prolong bleeding. If this happens treatment of the virus may prove difficult. Cumberbatch suggests that Acetaminophen and Paracetemol tablets are safer for use.

Symptoms:
* High fever - up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
* Severe headache
* Retro-orbital pain - pain behind the eye
* Severe joint pains
* Muscle pains
* Muscle aches
* Swollen lymph nodes
* General weakness
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Rash
* Children get non-typical symptoms
* Fever
* Weakness