The Dengue Focal Point at the Ministry of Health, Doctor Frederico Bosco said during to first two months of 2015, in January and so far in February, 97 cases of dengue have been detected with that majority victims being children.
He said the majority of dengue cases were registered in Baucau and in the capital Dili and that so far no cases have been reported in other municipalities.
“From January to February 12, 43 cases were reported in Baucau and more than 54 in Dili. Most cases of dengue are children aged 5 to 14 years old,” said the doctor Bosco by phone.
He added compared to 2014 the number of dengue cases so far registered has fallen substantially because for the same period last year some 679 dengue cases were registered including many that resulted in death.
“We have distributed the insecticide and two fumigation machines to health equipment to be used at the Baucau Referral Hospital to exterminate all vectors responsible for dengue.”
The Chief of the Sanitation Department of the Dili Municipality Administration Domingos dos Santos said one of the key causes of dengue infections is the arbitrary disposal of rubbish in the capitals.
He added his staff have been trying to motivate the community take active part in cleaning the environment in their own villages but some people are not getting the message.
“This year, more than $30,000 will be allocated to the sukus within Dili so cleaning initiatives can take place,” said Chief Santos.
He added that it is up to the people to keep their homes clean so they do not get dengue.
National Member of Parliament MP Manuel Castro has concerns with dengue cases especially over the well-being of children.
“We went to visit the Baucau Referral Hospital and the emergency room is full of children. Most cases are for Dengue and ISPA [upper respiratory tract infection]. We see them all over the corridors,” said MP Castro.
