Dengue fever

ABSTRACT

Dengue fever is the most common and widespread arthropod-borne viral infection in the world. For Barbados, the burden of disease caused by dengue fever and its complications is a major challenge for the health sector. The history of dengue fever in Barbados dates back to the 1950s and 1960s with outbreaks occurring every five to ten years until the 1980s when there were yearly reports of cases. In 1995 there was a major epidemic in which more than 2000 cases were reported and for the first time there was one reported death. Statistical data is presented on dengue fever for the period 1993-2001 and confirmed cases of dengue fever 1997-2001. A public awareness campaign was implemented in 2000 and continued throughout 2001. This campaign involved intensified person-to-person contact during the inspection of premises and houses by the environmental Health Officers; distribution of pamphlets and other graphics; and conducting workshops with the public and private sector agencies, schools, churches and NGOs.