Following a resurgence of dengue cases in Seychelles since the beginning of this year, the Red Cross Society of Seychelles has been mobilizing its volunteers to fight the dengue virus.
Following a resurgence of dengue cases in Seychelles since the beginning of this year, the Red Cross Society of Seychelles has been mobilizing its volunteers to fight the dengue virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, 253 cases had been confirmed as of 21st May 2016, with a sharp increase in recent weeks. Most of the native cases are concentrated in 4 districts on the island of Mahé, while 2 cases have been reported on Praslin. The health authorities have increased their diagnosis and monitoring system, and have urged the public to take action to reduce the risk of a major outbreak.
In its auxiliary role to the public authorities, the Seychelles Red Cross has mobilised 40 volunteers to carry out prevention activities with the inhabitants of the 4 main districts affected. Over the course of the next three months volunteer teams will deliver prevention messages about dealing with dengue symptoms if they appear, personal protection measures to take against mosquito bites (use of repellents and mosquito netting), and the elimination of larval breeding sites. Particular attention will be paid to schools and nurseries.
In order to carry out these activities, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has given €50,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to the Red Cross Society of Seychelles.
PIROI, in coordination with the IFRC and Indian Ocean Commission’s Health Monitoring Unit, is providing technical support and equipment to the Red Cross Society of Seychelles, notably by distributing 1000 mosquito nets from its Mahé warehouse.