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Fighting Dengue Fever in Guatemala

In 2010, Rotary eClub One helped fund a project in Guatemala aimed at reducing Dengue fever.  Our member Carol Engel-Enright of Colorado is actively involved with the project which combines efforts of the Rotary Club of Fort Collins and five clubs in Guatemala.

Reaching out over an area with several hundred thousand inhabitants, the project is aimed at Dengue fever prevention and involves community education. In addition the project includes a pilot program to install insecticide-impregnated curtains in 80-100 homes per community.  There has already been some research showing insecticide impregnated curtains can reduce mosquito populations in the home (where Dengue is transmitted) and the hope this that will extend to also reduce infection. 

Below are photographs and a report from one of the workers in Guatemala.

 The first visit was to a health center to determine which areas were at highest risk.

 Next, workers went into the communities and visited inside 55 dwellings. Twenty-two of the dwellings were found to have infestations. Firemen and neighbors helped put up informational posters in the communities, especially the schools.

  Finally, workers organized an informational walk that concluded with a talk with the children.