Dengue Outbreak

This email was sent out by the American Consulate:

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens that the Department of
State anticipates a rise in the incidence of Dengue Fever due to
the recent heavy rains. Dengue is a tropical disease caused by
a virus and transmitted to humans by the mosquito Aedes aegypti.
The information on this message is not intended or implied to be
a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment.

Please be aware that no vaccine is available.
Aedes is typically a day-biting mosquito, most active during
dawn and dusk, and can be easily identified by the distinctive
black and white stripes on its body. The mosquito is attracted
by the odor, carbon dioxide, and heat emitted by humans and
animals. Dengue is characterized by fever, rash, and muscle and
joint pains.

To minimize the chances of getting Dengue, medical professionals
recommend denying the mosquito its preferred breeding ground:
clean stagnant water. Some common sources include artificial
and natural containers such as flower vases and pot plates;
pails, water-storage jars, basins; discarded receptacles; roof
gutters; gully traps; unused toilet bowls and cisterns; A/C and
dish rack trays; concrete drains; tree holes; leaf axils, fallen
leaves; and ground depressions.

To prevent water collecting in these receptacles, change water
in vases/bowls every other day; remove water from flower pot
plates every other day, and add sand to the plates; turn over
all storage containers; remove stagnant water collected on
leaves, tree branches, and in drains, and clean roof gutters at
least once a month.

To prevent mosquito bites use a mosquito repellant containing
the insecticide DEET (concentration 30 to 35 percent) or
Picaridin (concentration 20 percent or greater for tropical
travelers). Also, dress in protective clothing (long-sleeved
shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes) especially during early
morning hours before daybreak and in the late afternoon before
dark when mosquitoes are most active. Keep unscreened windows
and doors closed and screened windows and doors in good
condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), early
recognition of Dengue and prompt supportive treatment can
substantially lower the risk of developing severe disease.
Watch for warning signs as an initial fever often declines 3 to
7 days after the principal symptoms begin.

Go IMMEDIATELY to an emergency room or the closest health care
provider if any of the following warning signs appear:

Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting.

Red spots or patches on the skin.

Bleeding from nose or gums.

Vomiting blood.

Black, tarry stools (feces, excrement).

Drowsiness or irritability.

Pale, cold, or clammy skin.

Difficulty breathing.

American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged
to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on
the State Department’s travel registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact
the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy.
The Consular Section Embassy is located at the corner of Cesar
Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo,
D.R.; telephone 809-221-2171; after hours ask to speak to the
duty officer; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail
acssantodom@state.gov; web page www.usemb.gov.do.

For further information on Dengue and the Dominican Republic,
please visit the State Department’s website at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html, or
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) web site
at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue.