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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ministry of Health advisory on extended opening hours at health facilities
Port of Spain, August 27, 2010: The Ministry of Health has further heightened its response at its
health care institutions with a more holistic approach in its fight against Dengue. .Health Centres
will have extended opening hours and Mobile Clinics will also be utilized in several areas.
The Ministry of Health urges any person showing any sign or symptom of Dengue Fever to seek
medical attention at the nearest Health Facility.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue Fever also known as ‘breakbone fever’, is a disease caused by a virus carried by the Aedes
aegypti mosquito. It is spread from person to person by the bite of an INFECTED Aedes Aegypti
mosquito.
Signs and symptoms of Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever symptoms appear within 5-6 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Symptoms last for 1-2 weeks and can include:
Headaches (sometimes severe)
High fever
Backache
Vomiting
Skin rash
Muscle and joint pains
Pain behind eyes
Diarrhoea
In some cases, mild bleeding can occur including from the gum, nose
or under skin
Sometimes Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever can develop. This is a serious complication of Dengue
Fever which can lead to death. Dengue is diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms supported by a
simple blood test. If you have Dengue, the Doctor will prescribe medicines to reduce the fever and
treat other symptoms as necessary.
IMPORTANT
Do not use Aspirin or similar medications such as Motrin, Cataflam, Olfen or Ibuprofin. These
may cause complications such as bleeding which can cause shock. Instead use Paracetamol or
Acetaminophen such as Panadol / Tylenol.
If you need assistance in cleaning your community, then please contact your Local Government
Authority. If there is a mosquito infestation, please call the Ministry of Health’s Insect Vector
Control at 663 2281 or email the Ministry at [email protected].
Corporate Communications Unit,
Ministry of Health,
623-8492,
627-1047(fax )
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The following are the extended opening hours available at the Regional Health Authorities:
• El Socorro Health Centre – Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • St. James District Health Facility – Sunday to Saturday 24 hrs. (please note that the health centre at the St James DHF operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Port of Spain General Hospital – Sunday to Saturday 24 hrs • St Joseph Health Facility - Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm • Arima Health Facility - Sunday to Saturday 8am to 8pm • Chaguanas Health Centre - Sunday to Saturday 8am to 8pm • Edinburgh 500 Mobil Clinic - Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm • Sangre Grande Hospital - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs • Mayaro District Health Facility - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs • Rio Claro Health Centre - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs • Freeport Health Centre – Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm • Penal Health Centre - Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm • Pleasantville Health Centre - Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm • Point Fortin Area Hospital - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs • San Fernando General Hospital - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs • Couva District Health Facility - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs • Princes Town District Health Facility - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs • Siparia District Health Facility - Sunday to Saturday 24hrs The following are the emergency telephone numbers for the Regional Health Authorities Health
Centres, District Health Facilities, Accident Departments and Dengue Hotlines:
NORTH WEST REGIONAL HEALTH FACILITY:
NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL HEALTH FACILITY

Blanchisscuse/ Brasso Seco Health Centre Accident & Emergency / Dengue Hotline EASTERN REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
SOUTH-WEST REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
Siparia District Health Facility A&E

Source: http://www.southcaribadventists.org/uploads/file/news_and_events/news_dengueupdate_09_2010.pdf