By Mark DaCosta- In 2024, Guyana witnessed a concerning surge in dengue fever cases, with over 10,000 individuals diagnosed with the viral disease.
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti species, and it can cause a range of symptoms from mild fever to severe illness. The virus circulates widely in tropical and subtropical regions, with outbreaks often coinciding with periods of heavy rainfall or high temperatures that encourage mosquito breeding. The disease is especially prevalent in urban areas such as Georgetown, where stagnant water and garbage provides ideal breeding sites for the mosquitoes.
In Guyana, the situation in 2024 escalated to alarming levels. The Ministry of Health, in its end-of-year address, revealed that the nation had recorded 10,000 dengue cases, a stark reminder of the ongoing public health threat.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony shared this information and outlined several measures taken to manage the outbreak. Notably, he said that all regional hospitals in Guyana are now equipped to conduct dengue tests, which will hopefully allow for more timely diagnosis and intervention. Furthermore, the Ministry has announced acquiring 200 fogging machines that are set to be distributed to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and village councils.
Current response may not be enough
However, while these measures are important, experts and health officials are concerned that the current response may not be enough to curb the rapid spread of the disease. Dengue cases have been particularly high in regions One, Two, Four, Six, Nine, and Ten, where the Ministry has prioritised monitoring and fogging activities. In addition to fogging, which targets mosquito populations, vector control teams are reportedly actively working to identify and eliminate breeding sites. Communities are being encouraged to eliminate stagnant water in their surroundings, an essential step in cutting down mosquito habitats.
“Community involvement is key to preventing the spread of dengue,” Dr. Anthony stated, stressing the importance of public cooperation. He revealed that the Ministry is planning to acquire more fogging machines and expand training programs for local teams to assist with the ongoing control efforts. The training aims to enhance the skills of community members and local authorities in proper fogging techniques and the identification of mosquito breeding sites.
In addition to local efforts, the Ministry of Health has introduced a strategy to control the spread of mosquitoes by distributing larvicide, also known as abate, which can be used in stagnant water to kill mosquito larvae.
The situation remains dire
While these efforts may help reduce the immediate impact of the epidemic, the situation remains dire. The Ministry of Health has been actively educating the public on the symptoms of dengue, which begin with a febrile phase characterised by fever, followed by a critical phase where severe symptoms such as dehydration and bleeding can occur. According to Dr. Anthony, it is crucial for people experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to avoid progressing to the dangerous critical phase, which can result in shock or death in severe cases.
The rise in dengue cases in Guyana is part of a broader regional concern. In December 2024, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) issued a report warning of the largest dengue epidemic in the Americas since records began in 1980. Over 12.6 million cases were reported in the region in 2024, nearly three times the number in 2023. PAHO’s Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, highlighted that the increase in dengue cases was linked to climate events, urbanisation, and poor waste management, which together create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Dr. Barbosa also emphasised that while vaccines are being introduced in countries like Brazil and Argentina, they are not yet a short-term solution to control outbreaks.
“We are not powerless against dengue”
Despite the challenges posed by the epidemic, Dr. Barbosa’s message was clear: “We are not powerless against dengue.” However, the response must be multi-faceted, involving governments, health organisations, and communities working together to control the disease’s spread. In Guyana, the government’s actions,
such as the procurement of fogging machines and public education campaigns, are steps in the right direction. Yet, more must be done to address the underlying factors contributing to the outbreak, including improving waste management, reducing stagnant water, and enhancing urban planning to minimise mosquito breeding sites.
Given the growing number of cases and the potential for even more widespread transmission, it is crucial that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government redoubles its efforts to tackle the dengue crisis.
While measures such as fogging, community outreach, and the distribution of mosquito control resources are vital, addressing the root causes of the epidemic, particularly the environmental conditions that foster mosquito breeding, is essential. A comprehensive and sustained response is needed to ensure that this outbreak does not escalate further, and that Guyana can better protect its citizens from the dangers of dengue in the years to come.
