In light of a recent dengue fever outbreak in Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is appealing to citizens to participate in voluntary blood donations.
This proactive measure is initiated in anticipation of rising demand for blood and blood products, as the ministry foresees a potential escalation in the number of severe dengue cases.
Understanding dengue severity
Dengue fever, commonly a mild disease transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito, manifests in four different strains, named DENV 1-4.
However, in certain situations, the illness can progress from its usual mild state to severe dengue.
The threat of severe dengue
Severe dengue is a serious condition that may induce organ failure, significant blood loss, and intense fluid depletion, ultimately leading to shock and possibly death.
Given these risks, the Ministry is emphasizing the importance of having adequate blood supplies ready for transfusion to support the treatment of severe cases.
More on Dengue fever from CNW
- Jamaica declares dengue outbreak with hundreds of confirmed cases
- Florida officials confirm four new local Dengue cases as spread continues
- Dengue claims lives of school children in Guyana
Eligibility for blood donation
For those willing to contribute, the eligibility criteria for blood donors include being aged between 17 and 60, having good health, and having a body weight of more than 110 pounds.
How to donate
Citizens meeting the donation criteria are encouraged to visit hospitals across the country to make their valuable contributions.
Dengue outbreak declared in Jamaica
Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness on Saturday declared an outbreak of dengue fever on the island, with over 500 suspected and confirmed cases.
The ministry said the outbreak comes as its National Surveillance Unit advised that the island has surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold for July and August and is on a trajectory to do the same for September.
As of Friday, September 23, the country had recorded 565 suspected, presumed, and confirmed cases of dengue, the ministry said. Of that number, 78 cases had been confirmed, with the majority of the cases in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas.
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