Children between the ages of 5 and 14 are disproportionally affected by Jamaica’s recent dengue outbreak, according to authorities.
The island’s Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus on Saturday, with over 500 suspected and confirmed cases.
At a Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Wednesday, the island’s Director of Health Services Planning and Integration, Dr. Naydene Williams, gave an update on the status of the outbreak.
“As of Friday, September 22, the country recorded 565 suspected, presumed and confirmed cases of dengue. Of that number, 78 cases have been confirmed, with the majority of cases in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas,” Dr. Williams said. No dengue-related deaths have been confirmed, however, six deaths are being investigated.
Dengue Type 2 has been identified as the dominant strain of the virus in the country.
Most of the confirmed dengue cases have been children, Dr. Williams confirmed. She said the ministry has implemented its enhanced vector control program, with measures including community fogging, to control the spread of the virus.
Children to get free health care at UHWI
Starting October 2, children under the age of 18 years will not be charged a fee for health care services at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Tufton said the measure is in response to the dengue outbreak, which has caused an influx of cases at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston.
“We have spoken to the UHWI to allow persons affected who cannot be accommodated, particularly children at the Bustamente hospital, to take that overflow,” the minister said.
More on dengue in Jamaica
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Dr. Tufton has also urged school administrators to be on high alert and to follow proper procedures when dealing with affected children.
“There is a conversation taking place around looking at those institutions where mosquito breeding sites are present and how we eradicate those working with the parish health teams,” he said.
Symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. In a small number of cases, the potentially deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) may develop, resulting in internal bleeding, enlargement of the liver, and high fever.
About one in four people infected with the infection will get sick.
Dr. Tufton said that local blood banks are also on high alert, should the outbreak intensify and cases progress to severe dengue.
