DENGUE OUTBREAKS.
There are currently Dengue outbreaks in all three countries of our Mission. There are 4 types of Dengue. New Caledonia is reporting cases of Type 1; Vanuatu Type 2, and Solomon Islands Type 1 & 2.
We have already had several Missionaries contract Dengue in the islands of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. There have been no cases so far in New Caledonia.
There are currently Dengue outbreaks in all three countries of our Mission. There are 4 types of Dengue. New Caledonia is reporting cases of Type 1; Vanuatu Type 2, and Solomon Islands Type 1 & 2.
We have already had several Missionaries contract Dengue in the islands of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. There have been no cases so far in New Caledonia.
The missionaries who have contracted Dengue have been unwell for a week or two but have not needed medical treatment beyond management of symptoms by the Mission Nurse.
Any Missionary suspected of having Dengue is blood tested not only for Dengue but for other mosquito borne diseases as well.
Any Missionary suspected of having Dengue is blood tested not only for Dengue but for other mosquito borne diseases as well.
In our recent Zone Conferences we talked with the Missionaries about Mosquito protection and preventing bites. The policy of the Mission is for Missionaries to engage in a three step prevention plan.
1. Personal Insect Repellent - provided free by the Mission to every Missionary. The Missionaries are instructed to use it both day and night. Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day. The same mosquitoes may also spread Zika and Chikungunya. Malaria mosquitoes tend to bite at night.
2. Repellent Treatment for clothing and bedding - this is also provided free to all Missionaries. They are instructed to treat their clothing and bedding every 6 weeks.
3. Repellent Treatment for Missionary houses - a solution is provided to all Missionaries to spray their houses every 6 weeks.
Mosquito nets are provided if Missionaries request them.
The local authorities in New Caledonia are maintaining a rigorous control program of spraying and fogging 'at risk' areas. Authorities in Honiara are also spraying risk areas.
There has been no reports of any spraying or control program in Vanuatu.
There has been no reports of any spraying or control program in Vanuatu.
We are monitoring the situation and we continue to firmly insist that the Missionaries follow the bite prevention program. Parents can back us up by encouraging their missionary in their weekly emails to follow prevention strategies.
If you have any concerns please contact me via Messenger inbox or email at gaylewissemangranger@ldschurch.org
We love our Missionaries - your sons and daughters - and their well-being is a priority.
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