CNMI puts focus on preventing spread of dengue

The Northern Marianas so far has only two cases of dengue, with none of them locally acquired, and the government wants it to stay that way.

Governor Ralph Torres has instructed all government agencies to help the Commonwealth Health Care Corporation's efforts to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne viral disease in the islands.

The health agency has a multi-pronged approach aimed preventing returning travellers from transmitting the virus in the CNMI and protecting those residents most at risk who lack the means to protect themselves and their families.

With recovery efforts still ongoing after last year's typhoon, Mr Torres said debris collecting standing water continued to pose a risk.

There have been multiple outbreaks of dengue in the region - in Guam, the Philippines, Palau, Yap, and the Marshall Islands.