INFOMATION TO ALL STAFF FOR DENGUE FEVER

TO ALL STAFF

This notice serves to inform all staff of recent reported cases Dengue Fever and how we can prevent ourselves from infection as well as recognise the signs and symptoms of the virus.

Dengue Fever is a weakening viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, and causing sudden fever and pains in the joints. It cannot be spread directly from one person to another person. Mosquitoes that carry the dengue fever virus are aggressive and they attack during daytime.

Signs and symptoms may include;

•             Sudden, high fever

•             Severe headaches

•             Pain behind the eyes

•             Severe joint and muscle pain

•             Fatigue or tiredness

•             Nausea or dizziness

•             Vomiting

•             Skin rash, which appears 2 - 5 days after fever

•             Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums)

Important Note

Sometimes, symptoms are not serious and can be mistaken for those of the flu or another viral infection. However, serious problems can develop.

There is no specific treatment, vaccine or medicine currently available to treat dengue infection. The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes. This involves protecting yourself by doing the following:-

•             Turnover, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, gutters, drums, tin cans, flowerpots, or trash containers.

•             Filing cabinets, boxes and other storage areas with poor lighting must be flushed out with a broom or aired out to remove mosquitoes hiding within.

•             Always carry in your bags mosquito repellent and use when outdoors.

•             Avoid/prevent further mosquito bites.

•             Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.

•             Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants or use insect repellent. For extra protection, treat clothing with permethrin.

If you think you may have dengue fever, see your Doctor immediately. For further information call Air Niugini Clinic on extension 3510.

Rei Logona

General Manager – Human Resource