Dengue Outbreak In Neighboring Countries Has Belize On Alert

Raging dengue outbreaks in the neighboring republics have local health authorities on heightened alert tonight. Over the recent months, El Salvador and Honduras have been reporting outbreaks of classical dengue and the deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever. Eight deaths have since been recorded in El Salvador. And an alarming six thousand cases of classical dengue have been confirmed in Honduras, causing a total of 9 deaths. Belize today stepped up its preparedness after Guatemalan health authorities had to declare a "state of alert" last week after over one thousand, five-hundred cases of classical dengue were reported. Today a 4 man team of senior public health managers were in Chetumal teaming up with their Mexican counterparts to develop a plan of action. They discussed ways to ensure the protection of our border areas and resources that will be needed to combat any outbreak. It is expected that Mexico and Belize will carry out joint vector control activities along border areas. From 1998 to 2001, Belize has reported only 20 cases of classical dengue with 3 confirmed cases for this year. The Director of Health Services, Dr. Errol Vanzie has identified high risk areas in Belize. They are: Las Flores in Belmopan, San Martin in Benque Viejo, and Independence Village in Stann Creek. He advises that the most effective precaution Belizeans can take is to eliminate free standing water containers in yards and houses.