Test results to determine if three Grand Cayman residents had dengue fever have been delayed, because the blood samples have been sent to another lab for testing, Public Health officials said yesterday (Wednesday, 3 February).
The samples were initially sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) after three residents were hospitalised with acute viral infections.
“The initial test results indicated the possibility of dengue and as suggested by CAREC second samples were sent,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar explained.
“CAREC staff decided to send them to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) branch in Puerto Rico as that lab has more technologically advanced testing equipment, and is a World Health Organisation reference lab.”
He also explained that the three hospitalised residents had been discharged after treatment and are no longer infectious. Pending the blood test results, the persons were diagnosed with acute viral infections, Dr. Kumar said. “Currently there have been no further reports of similar cases,” he noted.
Dengue fever is a disease transmitted to humans by the bites of infected aedes aegyptii mosquitoes. Symptoms are high fever, severe headache, backache, joint and eye pain, nausea and vomiting, and rash. Most people recover, using pain relievers and bed rest, without any complications.
