A new dengue-related death was confirmed by the Ministry of Health on Tuesday afternoon. The victim, aged 88, was already facing several health problems when she contracted the disease. And, on Sunday February 11, she lost her life. This tragic event comes almost two weeks after the death of a 44-year-old resident of Goodlands, also as a result of dengue fever.
A woman in her thirties from Goodlands succumbed to dengue fever on Wednesday night, February 14. The woman was suffering from fever and was admitted to SSRNH hospital yesterday. This is the third death in the country. According to the authorities, she had other coexisting conditions.
Mauritius currently has 539 active cases, while Rodrigues has 173. These figures underline the seriousness of the situation, as dengue fever has proved fatal in two cases since it first appeared last December. Moreover, from December 11 2023 to February 13 2024, 888 cases of dengue fever were recorded in Mauritius.
Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, can develop into severe forms such as severe dengue fever. People with co-morbidities, such as diabetes or heart disease, are particularly at risk of serious complications.
Health authorities stress the importance of consulting a doctor as soon as symptoms such as high fever, body aches, headaches, nausea and skin rashes appear. Close surveillance is underway, and despite the heavy rains which encourage the spread of the disease, it is hoped that cases will stabilize in the future.
In Mauritius, the most affected areas are the suburbs of the capital, the north of the island and a few places in the Wilhems Plains.
