In light of the recent outbreak of Dengue cases reported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in the Western Division which has raised significant health and safety concerns, the Minister for Education, Honourable Aseri Radrodro urges all students, teachers and members of the public to be vigilant and reinforce precautionary measures to combat Dengue.
“As elaborated by the Ministry of Health, we all know that the infected mosquitoes transmit dengue fever and lives in and around houses and in containers or other receptacles that can hold water for example tyres, drums, uncovered water drums and flower vases,” said Hon. Radrodro.
Dengue Fever causes flu-like symptoms and mostly lasts for 2-7 days. High Fever (40°C) is usually accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, Loss of appetite, Headache, Eye pain, Muscle or joint pains, Headaches, Pain behind eyes, Rashes, Swollen glands, Diarrhoea and generally feeling unwell.
The Education Minister advises all students and teachers to seek medical attention immediately if they have Dengue fever symptoms and upon the advise of the doctor they should to stay at home. As per the advise of Ministry of Health they should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids whilst recovery.These precautionary measures will also reduce the risk of complications and avoid further spread of the virus amongst the school environment, students and teachers.
Honourable Radrodro further stated that the most appropriate way to evade dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and to destroy mosquito breeding habitats in and around your homes, villages and neighbourhoods.
The Education Minister wishes to remind all Districts Education Officers and Heads of Schools to ensure that the school environment is free from stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and regularly clean and properly maintain school grounds to eliminate potential breeding sites, drains, gutterings and WASH facilities in the vicinity of schools. HOS’s must encourage all teachers to observe health conditions of student and report suspected cases of dengue immediately.
“I understand that Dengue fever may cause anxiety and concern among students and teachers and Heads of Schools are encouraged to provide counselling support for those students who are directly impacted by dengue fever,” stated Honourable Radrodro.
The Ministry of Education is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to monitor the situation and implement necessary measures to ensure the safety of our students and we will provide regular updates and guidance to schools as more information becomes available.
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