An upsurge in reported dengue cases is being recorded across Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), with health authorities warning that persistent rainfall, yard conditions, and limited public cooperation are complicating efforts to control the mosquito-borne disease.
Addressing the Region Six Regional Democratic Council, Regional Health Officer Dr. Vinashri Khirodhar confirmed that both adults and children are being affected, though only complicated cases are being admitted to hospitals.
“Due to the rainy season now, you will notice a rise in the number of dengue cases,” Dr. Khirodhar told councillors, adding that the current pattern reflects seasonal transmission trends.
While no specific figures were disclosed at the meeting, Region Six has previously been identified by national health authorities as one of the regions with heightened dengue activity during periods of heavy rainfall, prompting intensified testing, surveillance, and vector-control interventions.
Dr. Khirodhar explained that dengue control is no longer the responsibility of the health sector alone but requires an inter-agency response involving multiple stakeholders.
“As it relates to dengue, it’s more of an inter-agency approach. It’s no longer just the health department or the RDC,” she said, noting that Regional Democratic Officers (REDOs), the Education Department, and all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are actively involved.
According to the RHO, the RDC and Regional Health Services have provided spray machines, chemicals, and other resources to NDCs to carry out mass spraying rather than relying heavily on fogging.
“At the moment, we’re not focusing on the fogging so much because fogging is only done once every 28 days,” she explained. “The spraying is more effective because it allows us to go into the yards of each community, of each household.” She noted that this approach targets both adult mosquitoes and eggs, offering more sustained control.
However, Dr. Khirodhar identified the rainy season itself as a major challenge, with water accumulating in yards, uncleaned drains, and discarded debris creating ideal breeding conditions. “Our problem now and the challenge is it is a rainy period,” she said, adding that health workers cannot remove debris from private properties.
Another major concern raised was resistance from some residents who refuse entry to vector-control teams. “Some residents are refusing for the health workers along with the vector team to enter their houses and yards to do the spraying,” Dr. Khirodhar said, describing the situation as a significant barrier to effective control.
Regional Chairman Junior Bassant told the council that public awareness efforts are ongoing at the NDC level, with communities being sensitised about dengue prevention and cooperation with spraying teams.
Dr. Khirodhar also reminded councillors that Regional Health Services are utilising a regional media house to disseminate televised dengue awareness messages, urging residents to eliminate standing water, clean yards, and allow access for spraying.
Health officials continue to encourage early medical attention for persons experiencing dengue-like symptoms, as timely treatment can prevent complications. (Andrew Carmichael)
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