Heightened danger of dengue outbreak sparks concern for Jamaica’s well being ministry

The Well being and Wellness Ministry has raised an alarm over the swift escalation in dengue circumstances nationwide. As of Monday, a staggering 316 suspected, presumed, and confirmed circumstances have been reported.

Dengue Sort 2 re-emerges after a decade

A notable concern is the identification of 38 circumstances of Dengue Sort 2. 

Well being Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, throughout a latest press convention, mentioned that this pressure has not predominated within the inhabitants since 2010. 

Tufton underscored the gravity of the scenario, stating, “The importance of that is that it heightens the chance of a attainable outbreak.”

Evaluating previous and current figures

In a comparability that underscores the urgency, the 316 circumstances as much as September 11 current a stark distinction to the 65 circumstances reported throughout the identical timeframe in 2022.

“For us, it represents a priority – clearly not panic, however a priority – as a result of it’s virtually 5 instances or a five-fold improve when in comparison with the corresponding interval in 2022, the place 65 circumstances have been reported,” Tufton mentioned.

Extra on dengue within the Caribbean

Geographical breakdown of the outbreak

Whereas all parishes have reported dengue circumstances, particular places like Kingston and St Andrew, St Thomas, St Catherine, Westmoreland, Portland, and St Ann have confirmed circumstances. 

“While you look from the inhabitants perspective, the parishes… (of) St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, and St Catherine have the very best dengue actions at this specific time,” Tufton additional revealed. 

Youthful demographic at larger danger

Shedding gentle on the demographic most affected, Tufton indicated that the youthful populace bears a heightened danger of contracting dengue fever. 

“It is very important spotlight that of the 39 confirmed circumstances of dengue, a complete of 20 belong within the 5 to 14-year-old age group,” the minister mentioned.

He emphasised that the Ministry of Well being and Wellness is encouraging mother and father to deal with kids who’ve a fever with paracetamol and to keep away from aspirin and aspirin-like remedy.

Collaborative efforts in vector management

Whereas the ministry has taken steps by deploying roughly 500 non permanent vector management employees to examine residences and remove mosquito breeding grounds, Tufton careworn the significance of neighborhood involvement. 

He reiterated the duty of each citizen to actively take part in eradicating mosquito breeding websites.

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