National Epidemiologist Dr. Karen Webster-Kerr has sounded the alarm about the relentless surge of dengue cases in Jamaica. According to Dr. Webster-Kerr, Jamaica could record more than 1,000 confirmed, suspected, and presumed cases of the dengue virus each month until the first quarter of next year.
A dire prediction: 1,400 cases monthly
Dr. Webster-Kerr noted that Jamaica could possibly see a staggering 1,400 cases monthly.
During an interview with Radio Jamaica’s Hotline on Friday, Dr. Webster-Kerr indicated that the outbreak could endure until around March, after which, a gradual decrease can be anticipated.
Current statistics
Jamaica’s Ministry of Health & Wellness has reported alarming figures for dengue cases.
Dr. Webster-Kerr noted that in September, 1,409 confirmed, suspected, and presumed cases of dengue have been officially recorded.
October has already witnessed 240 cases.
Confirmation and testing
The health ministry has reported 434 cases that have been confirmed as dengue infections.
These cases were confirmed from approximately 2,107 samples suspected or presumed to be dengue cases.
Dengue-related deaths
There have been seven dengue-related deaths — five classified as suspected and two as confirmed.
Preventative measures
Since the outbreak was confirmed in September, the ministry has put several mitigation measures in place, which include a public education campaign, clinical management, destroying mosquito breeding sites (primarily located in the homes of residents), and community fogging.
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is also helping Jamaica fight the outbreak, with an initial donation of USD$500,000.
The U.S. embassy in Kingston also released a health alert on its website for United States citizens traveling to the island.
