The number of dengue cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has surged to 213, marking a significant increase over the past week.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed the latest figures during the “Issue at Hand” program on WEFM99.9SVG on Sunday, following a report from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Last week, the country reported 113 cases of dengue, meaning an additional 100 cases have been recorded in just seven days.
Dr. Gonsalves expressed concern over the situation, particularly noting that 17 people have been hospitalized with dengue, most of whom are children. This has led to increased mosquito fogging efforts on both the Leeward and Windward sides of the island in an attempt to control the spread of the disease.
The bulk of the dengue cases have been reported in Kingstown, Calliaqua, Pembroke, and Bequia. While all the reported cases have been lab-tested, Dr. Gonsalves suspects there may be more unreported cases, as some people may experience mild symptoms and recover quickly without seeking medical attention.
In response to the outbreak, the Prime Minister urged the public to take action to reduce mosquito breeding sites. He emphasized the need to eliminate stagnant water in barrels and other containers commonly found in yards, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
