Port of Spain, December 9th, 2024: The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the emergence of the Mayaro and Oropouche viruses, two tropical diseases that pose potential health risks to the population of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
These arboviral diseases are spread primarily by the Aedes aegypti, Culex mosquitoes, and midge insect flies.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported 10,275 confirmed cases of the Oropouche virus, including two deaths, across nine countries in the Americas from January 1 to October 5, 2024.
The Ministry of Health confirms that there are no reported cases of the Mayaro and Oropouche virus since their discovery in T&T in the 1950s, however, surveillance efforts continue to target patients who have been tested for Dengue,
Zika, and Chikungunya. Additionally, routine vector control measures are actively conducted by the Insect Vector Control Division.
Symptoms for both the Oropouche and the Mayaro virus mimic those of Dengue, leading to potential underreporting. Persons usually present with the following symptoms after an incubation period of 3 to 12 days:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin Rash
- Chills
- Pain behind the eyes
- Nausea and vomiting (persistent in some cases)
- Joint Swelling
- Dizziness
Source Reduction Tips
To minimize the risk of arboviral disease outbreaks, the Ministry urges citizens to adopt the following preventative measures:
1. Install fine mesh nets on doors and windows.
2. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants particularly at night-time.
3. Apply repellents containing DEET to exposed skin
4. Eliminate stagnant water around homes, including barrels, plant pot and saucers and discarded containers.
5. Properly dispose of used tires and clean gutters regularly.
6. Cover barrels, drums and other receptacles used to collect water for household use.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that controlling vector-borne diseases is a collective responsibility. Increased awareness, community engagement, and proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks. The Ministry remains committed to
protecting the health and well-being of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and will continue to monitor and respond to the potential threats posed by arboviral diseases.
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