Dengue cases increase at NRH as country prepares for possible covid-19 entry
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
WHILE Solomon Islands is mobilising almost all of its resources to keep covid-19 out, diseases which we have worked hard to stamp out are re-emerging in worrying rates.
Dengue, which have had few outbreaks in past years, was successfully silenced by national response, but with all attention now on covid-19 there is an increase in diagnosed dengue cases at the national referral hospital (NRH).
Since April the NRH has been admitting a growing number of dengue patients.
This was revealed yesterday to Island Sun by Dr Jones Gabu, senior consultant physician and head of internal medicine, NRH.
“We are also admitting ceases of dengue in the ward since April to now.
“Dengue is increasing therefore we need to take preventative measures to keep mosquitoes at bay or avoid being bitten by mosquito.
“Clean environment. If develop dengue, drink a lot of coconut juice, four to six coconuts or lots of water per day. Don’t drink juice or sugary drinks,” he said.
Gabu adds the Medical Ward Admission report for first quarter 2020 recorded an increasing number of dengue cases in March and April.
Also, in the month of February 2020 a high number of malaria cases was recorded as well.
He explains that as early as January cases of dengue were reported but at a relatively low rate, not until April before the worrying trend began.
