The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reminding citizens who have contracted dengue that they should not use aspirins, ibuprofen, or any pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as medication because the drugs can increase the severity of the virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), when a patient has dengue, the infecting organism of the virus affects the platelets, which are responsible for stopping bleeding, increasing the tendency of a patient to bleed. If a dengue patient takes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, they can further increase the risk of bleeding and the severity of the virus.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also result in organ failure and severe fluid depletion that can lead to shock and death.

Recommended treatment

The health ministry shared that dengue is typically a mild illness that can be treated with rest and adequate hydration through the period of illness. However, drugs such as acetaminophen or paracetamol are recommended to treat a fever.

Jamaica has announced an outbreak of the fever, with more than 500 suspected cases of the virus reported up to September 22. The majority of cases reside in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Thomas.

As a form of protection from the virus, the health ministry is urging citizens to monitor water storage containers for mosquito breeding, keep surroundings free of debris, destroy or treat potential mosquito breeding sites, use a DEET-containing mosquito repellant, or stay indoors at dusk with windows and doors closed.

If you are experiencing a fever, headache, or joint and muscle pains, visit the nearest health centre.