Mauritius: Minister of Health Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal recently chaired over a Multisectoral Committee discussing the prevalence of Dengue Fever and Leptospirosis. The committee meeting was hosted in the Ministry of Health in Mauritius in Port-Louis.
The Mauritian Ministery of Health have shared some glimpses from the event on their social media. The event was attended by a number of officials and stakeholders from the Ministry of Health. Dr Jagutpal highlighted that the Committee brings together all concerned officers and stakeholders.
All stakeholders involved in tackling the Dengue Fever situation in Mauritius come together for a meeting on a weekly basis. They work together and coordinate efforts to ensure prompt preventive measures.
The Minister pointed out that they have witnessed a decrease in the number of active cases of Dengue Fever in Mauritius. In the last week, the nation had recorded 313 active cases of dengue in the region.
Minister Jagutpal informed the healthcare stakeholders of the nation that they are still recording dengue cases in several dengue prone areas in Mauritius The Minister highlighted the areas that are on the list of mosquito prone areas.
The situation that they are witnessing in Mauritius calls for further efforts to stop propagation of the viral infection. The Minister of health also noted that they have highlighted some areas which have a high density of mosquito larvae.
This means that these areas are more prone to the prevalence of Dengue Fever. Several Governmental institutions are increasing their efforts to clean areas to prevent infections.
The authorities are targeting areas such as vegetation, wastelands, bulky waste that may create favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. He stressed, while calling upon the population to back up these measures with their personal efforts.
The discussion then turned to Leptospirosis in Mauritius. At this point, Minister Jagutpal said that they have recorded 37 new cases since January 2024. Two cases are currently active and six of the infections resulted in the death of the persons.
Dr Kailesh Jagutpal again talked about the need for everyone to keep the environment clean and rodent-free. He recalled that rats are attracted to food sources, thus urged restaurant owners and market operators to avoid leaving behind spills and food debris.
Furthermore, he cautioned that those who suffer from comorbidities are more vulnerable to health complications related to Leptospirosis.