State of Mexico Prevents Dengue Fever Margarita de la O - The News
go to original June 4, 2012

Increased preventative measures have been taken to detect and prevent dengue fever in the State of Mexico, said state Health Secretary Gabriel O’Shea in Naucalpan, adding that six cases have been reported this year, including one in the state’s southern region.

“So far six cases of dengue have been reported this year. One was in Tlatlaya, the other cases were in Morelos, and one in Jalisco. Only one case was reported in the southern part of the state,” he said on Saturday.

O’Shea said that six months ago, preventative strategies were implemented to inform the public about clearing away items that can gather water and become sites for mosquito breeding.

He said that measures are being taken in the state’s southern regions of Tejupilco, Tenancingo and Valle de Bravo, where more than 100 cases of dengue fever have been reported in the past.

Preventative measures are also being taken in the municipalities of Amecameca, Ecatepec and Toluca, to help prevent the accumulation of water, especially in discarded tires. Standing water should be emptied or covered to prevent breeding, he said.

Director of Epidemiology of the State of Mexico Health Institute Víctor Torres Meza said that the institute’s increased oversight through the “Clean Patio” program intends to help prevent mosquitos from laying eggs in unclean areas, especially in the state’s southern region.

He said the principal symptoms of dengue fever are fever, severe headaches, muscle, joint and bone pain, severe pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, rash and exhaustion.

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which typically lives in cool places in and outside of homes, such as in closets, under beds, behind curtains and in bathrooms or in shady cool areas outside.

The bite of one infected mosquito can result in infection, and because it is caused by a virus, treatment is limited to providing relief from symptoms.

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