KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Director of Health Services, Planning, and Integration Dr. Nadine Williams is warning Jamaicans against using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, diclofenac, and ibuprofen in the treatment of dengue symptoms.
“These drugs (NSAIDs), when used in dengue, have been known to increase the severity of the disease. Severe dengue can result in organ failure, bleeding, and severe fluid depletion that can lead to shock and death,” Dr. Williams said.
Instead, She is proffering rest and adequate hydration as enough to see one through the period of illness, adding that the recommended medication for fever associated with the dengue is acetaminophen or paracetamol.
The Ministry said that Jamaica declared an outbreak of the disease on September 23, at which time the country had recorded 565 suspected, presumed, and confirmed cases of dengue. Of that number, 78 patients had been established, with most of the cases in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Thomas, according to a release from the Ministry of Health.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease, usually a mild illness in which a person may get a fever, headache, and joint and muscle pains.
Persons experiencing fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin and other unusual forms of bleeding, feeling very weak, or getting confused are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Williams noted that since 2019, the government, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has spent over $300 million on acquiring vehicles, fogging machines, and expanding the number of staff dedicated to the vector management program.
In anticipation of a possible outbreak, the Ministry implemented its enhanced vector control program in July of this year.
Some measures included employing 500 temporary vector control workers alongside the 213 permanent staff. Another 600 temporary workers will be engaged in search, destroy, and health education activities.
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