KOROR, Palau (25 Aug 2008) — Dengue fever has reached epidemic levels in Palau as the Ministry of Health has confirmed 31 cases since August 1. In a letter to Health Minister Victor Yano, and Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) leaders, Bureau of Public Health Director Dr. Stevenson Kuartei said that majority of the cases are among school children from Ngerkebesang, Echang, Meyuns, Ngerchemai, Dngeronger, Meketii, Iyebukel, Ngaraard and Aimeliik. Kuartei in the letter said that many of those who have been diagnosed with the dengue fever have been admitted to the hospital and some of whom are critically ill with complications of dengue hemorrhagic fever and shock. Kuartei said that because of the budget reduction for this year, there is some difficulty in mobilizing adequate resources for community mobilization, vector control, surveillance and critical management of those who have become infected. "Palau is at risk of a major dengue fever epidemic that will have long lasting health and economic consequences," Kuartei said. He added that the Division of Environmental Health, Infection Central Committee, Epi-net and Communicable Disease Unit have responded to all of these cases. Kuartei recommended that in order to deal with the impending epidemic, the leadership should place the issue as national priority and appropriate resources to deal with it. He also recommended that the National Avian Influenza and Emerging Infection Task Force should be activated. Kuartei also suggested that the Out-Patient Department (OPD) of the hospital be closed from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and to see all the outpatients in ER to conserve energy so that government expenditures will stay within the budget. | | Bureau of Public Health Director Dr. Stevenson Kuartei warned that the popular scuba diving destination of Palau "is at risk of a major dengue fever epidemic that will have long lasting health and economic consequences". "While I clearly understand that the Ministry of Health has to take this drastic action in order to stay within the budget, but as a Director of Public Health, I must register a strong objection against sacrificing outpatient especially in the midst of dengue fever," Kuartei said. Dengue fever is a flu-like illness involving headaches, rashes, cramps, and back and muscle pain. Symptoms last about two weeks, and the disease can be fatal if supportive treatment is delayed. Dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially deadly complication, is characterized by high fever; hemorrhagic phenomena, often with enlargement of the liver; and in severe cases, circulatory failure. |
