Health extends hours in outpatient clinics

2024-09-07 22:19:41

Recently the Ministry of Public Health of Guatemala updated the red alert for denguewhich means that it will be extending its opening hours for outpatient clinics. We have more details for you!

Red Alert Update for Dengue in Guatemala: Health extends hours in outpatient clinics

He Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance —MSPAS— of Guatemala Updated on September 4, 2024 Institutional Red Alert for dengueas a result of the number of severe dengue cases in the country. This alert, which was issued on May 24, seeks to intensify preventive measures and expand the capacity of hospitals to deal with the health emergency.

Dengue is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Aedes aegyptiwhich proliferates in areas where water accumulates. The symptoms of severe or hemorrhagic dengueincluding severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting and bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

According to the MSPAS, through the Integrated Directorates of Health Service Networks (DDRISS) and the hospitals of the public network, the hours of attention in external consultations have been extended, which will allow the implementation of several measures to guarantee adequate care. Among the main actions are:

• Extended hours for outpatient clinics: Secondary care services will now have medical and nursing staff available on evening shifts.
• Duplication of shifts: Human resources in first and second level services will be reinforced to meet patient demand.
• Designation of junction pointsSpecific points will be established for the care, diagnosis and timely transfer of patients who present warning signs or severe dengue, both at the second and third levels of care.
• Vector control: Operational and administrative staff will work, according to the needs of their communities, to carry out vector control actions, that is, to reduce the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit the virus.
• Reducing gaps in supply levels: Budget reorganization and expansion actions will be coordinated with the DRISS with the aim of reducing gaps in supply levels of medicines and supplies for disease care.
• Vector control prevention: Actions based on entomological indices will be implemented to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
• Health promotion and education: Promotion and education actions will be carried out in a timely manner.
• Case analysis: The guidelines of the Epidemiological Surveillance Department will be followed for the analysis of cases and deaths from the disease.

In addition, entomological reports requested by the MSPAS Vector-Borne Diseases Program will be sent; the algorithm for taking and sending samples to the National Health Laboratory Directorate will also be taken into account.

Image description for people with visual impairments: poster with a dengue traffic light. (Credit: MSPAS)

Recommendations for taking care of your family

Prevention is key to reducing the incidence of dengue. The mosquito Aedes aegypti It reproduces in containers with stagnant water, so the elimination of these breeding sites is essential. Below, we share some recommendations from the Ministry of Health to prevent the proliferation of the transmitting mosquito:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Avoid accumulating unused objects such as tires, bottles or scrap metal that can store water. These places become ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Gutter cleaning: Check and clean your home’s gutters at least once a week to prevent water from accumulating. Make sure that water flows properly and is not trapped. Remove leaves, branches and any type of debris that may block the flow of water.
• Cover water containers: Make sure to cover well the sinks, barrels and other containers in which you store water. This way, you will prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in these places.
• Use repellent and appropriate clothing: If you are outdoors, use insect repellent and wear clothing that covers most of your body to avoid mosquito bites.
• Cover, wash, remove the container spinner: Any container that can collect water in yards or gardens, such as buckets, old tires or flower pots, should be removed, covered or turned to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Image description for people with visual impairments: poster with the symptoms of dengue. (Credit: MSPAS)

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