Ministry of Education And National Reconciliation Addresses Dengue Outbreak In SVG

The Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation is working closely with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment to address the ongoing Dengue Fever outbreak in the country.

The Surveillance Committee of the Ministry of Health reports that the current increase in Dengue Fever cases was noted in May 2024 and was declared an epidemic in July 2024. There is now a total of 542 laboratory confirmed cases of Dengue Fever in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as of Thursday, 22nd August, 2024.

The cases of Dengue Fever have been reported in all health districts, with the greatest number in Calliaqua, Kingstown and Pembroke. Most persons are in the age group of 0-33 years. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which carries the Dengue Fever virus, typically bites during the daytime hours when persons are active. Therefore, bites can occur at home, work and school. In view of the current situation, the Ministry of Education is recommending the following measures in an attempt to reduce the risk of Dengue Fever infection in schools:

School leaders should:

  • Facilitate the reduction of the breeding of the mosquito at school by:
    • Discarding stagnant water collected in containers around the school compound

    • Properly covering stored water

  • Reduce rubbish and overgrown bush around the school
  • Encourage the use of insect repellent with careful consideration for those with respiratory challenges
  • Allow students to wear light-coloured long pants/tights and long-sleeved tops
  • Open schools to allow increased effectiveness of fogging by the Vector Control Unit
  • Encourage the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) teachers to include Dengue Fever prevention in their lessons.
  • Inform the Health Nursing Supervisors of staff and students who have been diagnosed with Dengue Fever

The Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during this dengue fever outbreak. We urge all schools to implement the recommended measures and encourage parents and guardians to support these efforts by educating their children about Dengue prevention and ensuring that they take the necessary precautions.