 Health Alert NoticeTravel AdvisoryPalikir, POHNPEI (October 11, 2007) - For your safety, the FSM National Government, Department of Health and Social Affairs would like to inform all citizens and most especially visitors to the Federated States of Micronesia that cases of Dengue Fever have been identified in the State of Yap. The latest statistics from Yap on this public health issues follow: As of October 6, 2007 36 clinical cases Dengue Fever is caused by a virus that is spread by mosquito bites. Dengue has recently caused illness in other areas of the region, including Palau and the Philippines. Fortunately, Dengue can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites through the use of insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing or staying within screened or air-conditioned areas. Dengue causes a several day illness with fever, rash, joint pain, nausea and headache. Sometimes Dengue can cause problems with bleeding that most often presents as bleeding gums, blood nose or blood in the stool. If you travel to Yap and develop an illness or otherwise require urgent medical assistance during your stay, please call Yap Memorial Hospital at (691) 350-2115. Urgent care may be necessary if you have signs of bleeding. THERE IS NO TRAVEL RESTICTIONS ON DENGUE, BUT TAVEL ADVISORY IS RECOMMENDED in taking all precautionary measures to prevent one from getting infected with Dengue. |