Dengue fever numbers at a standstill while
flu epidemic takes off

No new cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in the territory over the past two weeks, leading Department of Health officials to be optimistic that the communicable disease, which had reached epidemic levels, is on a downfall.

The total number of locals confirmed to have been infected this year with dengue fever had reached 107 two weeks ago but since then, not a single case has been reported.

However, as dengue fever slowly exits, a flu bug has taken over and in the past month, has spread like wildfire across the territory, affecting hundreds of locals including children and the elderly who have been crowding the Emergency Room at the LBJ Medical Center over the past few weeks.

DOH medical director Dr. Ivan Tuliau said yesterday that the flu mimics dengue - “but it’s not as bad.”

He explained, “As far as dengue fever goes, the numbers are looking pretty good, and we are hopeful that this means the disease is on a downslide. However, this flu bug is pretty bad and one of the best ways to stop it from spreading is by taking a few extra seconds to wash your hands and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Plenty of rest is also recommended for those who have caught the bug.”

The first local confirmed to have died this year from dengue fever was a ten-year-old boy from Fagaalu.

Tuliau credits the members of the general public, whom he says have played a role in stopping the spread of dengue fever through practicing preventive measures.

As the number of dengue fever cases have yet to increase, Tuliau continues to encourage everyone to practice the 3D’s of prevention:
* Dress yourself in clothing that covers the majority of your body,
* Drain standing water, and
* DEET – use mosquito repellants that contain DEET.