19 cases of dengue were recorded in the state during January,
mostly in La Paz and Los Cabos, according to Dr. Alejo Mendez Hernandez ,
director of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health ( SSA) of BCS.
During 2014 4,601 dengue cases were recorded in Baja Sur;
95 of which were of the hemorrhagic type, said Mendez Hernandez , adding that
" the dengue outbreak is still evolving " and urging that it is
essential with the recent rains that people cover or destroy old tires and abandoned containers that could
hold water as well as covering water tanks, reservoirs and anywhere else that water collects and can harbor
breeding mosquitoes .
Mendez Hernandez explained that identifying outbreaks in time
prevents the spread of the disease.
Many people, especially children and teens, may experience
no signs or symptoms during a mild case of dengue fever. When symptoms do
occur, they usually begin four to 10 days after you are bitten by an infected
mosquito. Signs and symptoms of dengue fever most commonly include:
•Fever, as high as 106 F (41 C)
•Headaches
•Muscle, bone and joint pain
•Pain behind your eyes
You might also experience:
•Widespread rash
•Nausea and vomiting
•Rarely, minor bleeding from your gums or nose
Most people recover within a week or so. In some cases,
symptoms worsen and can become life-threatening. Blood vessels often become
damaged and leaky. And the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your
bloodstream drops. This can cause:
•Bleeding from your nose and mouth
•Severe abdominal pain
•Persistent vomiting
•Bleeding under the skin, which might look like bruising
•Problems with your lungs, liver and heart
There is currently no vaccine or other preventative
medication for dengue. The dengue mosquito is a day-flying insect and is most
active morning and evening.
As ever, the best defense is protection from bites by using
easily purchased mosquito repellent products and screens. You can use most of
these safely with sunscreens and they should be applied in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions but generally before you apply sunscreen.