With the mosquito-borne dengue fever on the rise and eleven persons having died so far this year, some of those who were infected have spoken to Stabroek News about the severe symptoms they experienced and one has urged speedier attention for patients at public clinics
According to a release from the Ministry of Health, the virus has at last count infected 2169 persons with 239 persons hospitalized and 11 deaths.
As case numbers continue to soar in various regions of the country, persons who have now recovered are glad they’re able to tell their stories— enduring extensive hospital stays and battling the virus despite age or medical conditions.
After the first few cases were detected in early June, Allison Nurse, a resident of Cummings Lodge started getting intense migraines prior to coming down with fever. The unwelcomed intrusion of dengue into Nurse’s life caused her many sleepless nights and body aches.
She described the symptoms of fever, intense headaches and joint pain as an excruciating experience.
“When I woke up the morning saying I would pull through and go to work, I started feeling like I would have blacked out. All my back started feeling like I couldn’t even stand up straight, my skin also start breaking out like crazy”, she told Stabroek News
Nurse described her experience at the hospital to be one that was lengthy and dreary, however she was thankful for the intervention which played a pivotal role on her road to recovery. She also recommended that better systems be put in place at public clinics to deal with persons who might suspect they have the virus because it is more deadly than it looks.
“Just like they had a temporary system set up for Covid-19, they need to get one for dengue because this virus can kill you. When you go there, you have to be waiting very long until they ready to see you and then when you finally get through you have to wait over two hours for the results”, she explained.
Dengue dealt a more severe blow to Mark, a 19-year old labourer of Vryheid’s Lust, necessitating hospitalization. The struggle was not his alone; it was a collective trial endured by his family as well.
“Seeing Mark hospitalized was heartbreaking. Our family rallied through and provided unwavering emotional support throughout,” said his mother.
This newspaper spoke with the 19-year-old who said his experience was one which he would never want to face again. He described his initial symptoms to be extremely hot fever and extreme headaches. When asked about the measures he had since put in place to help counter the mosquito-borne virus, he stated that he has since sprayed out his yard and cleaned the drains which held stagnant water and bred mosquitoes.
“Dengue made me realize that prevention is as vital as recovery,” Mark said.
He also described his experience at the Georgetown Public Hospital to be one that started off as disappointing. He pleaded for the government to take a stronger stand in making sure that adequate medical care is provided for persons who have caught the virus. He noted that if it was not for his family, he may not have recovered so efficiently.
A 38-year-old mother of two from Leonora shared her journey battling this virus, while still feeling minor effects from having dengue. Monica noted that in the initial stages of her catching the virus she had fever for three days only in the afternoon and after that she had it all day.
According to Monica, she also suffered severe headaches and joint pain with trembling. Despite contracting the virus, she noted that she did not have the option of staying home since she is the head of an Agricentre.
“I could not have stayed home even though I was feeling dizzy because the farmers depend on me and even though I went to the health centres they are only giving you Panadol”, she said.
She pleaded for the government to take stronger preventative measures as it relates to fogging since the area has been treated only once since the infection became prevalent. Monica noted that she has since taken it upon herself to spray and sanitize her surroundings to protect herself and her family
