Cavalier resident swings machete to combat dengue

After reading literature about how deadly the dengue virus can become, Cavalier, St Andrew resident Ayisha Clarke said she is doing the most to prevent its spread.

Yesterday, the 28-year-old factory worker was seen in the pelting sun debushing a section of the roadway which she said is a haven for mosquitoes. She said she volunteers to clean the space every two months, most of the time without assistance from others.

"My aunt used to do it first and I used to help her but she is up in age now so I continue to do it. I have contracted dengue but I read about how dangerous it can be. The place full of mosquitoes and I live in the lane above, so I try my best to keep the walkway and side of the road clear so I can destroy their breeding space. I have been doing this before the dengue outbreak and I will be doing it after," she said.

Last month the health ministry declared that there is currently an outbreak of dengue fever in Jamaica. This means that the country has seen an increase in the number of cases compared to what is normally seen during these months. Cutlass in one hand and another stuck in the dirt, Clarke used her hand to pluck away some grass. She said she has been chopping and weeding since 9:30 a.m. and would spend the majority of the afternoon in the sun until it was time for her to start her work shift at 5 p.m.

"Is not me alone walk here but is me alone do it most of the time. Every now and again a taxi man may stop and help. People commend me when them pass and see mi, and other times dem will say dem gonna come and help but they don't usually do. Some of the man dem stop and ask if mi nuh have nuh man can help mi but I just laugh. All I know is that the mosquitoes dem terrible. Rain fall often suh the place bush up quickly and dem nest there," she said.

A person with the mosquito-borne disease may get a fever, headache, joint, and muscle pains. Rest and adequate hydration are usually enough to see one through the period of illness. The recommended treatment for the fever is acetaminophen/paracetamol.