Heightened risk of dengue outbreak sparks concern for Jamaica's health ministry

Jamaica's Health and Wellness Ministry has raised an alarm over the swift escalation in dengue cases nationwide. As of Monday, a staggering 316 suspected, presumed, and confirmed cases have been reported.

Dengue Type 2 re-emerges after a decade

A notable concern is the identification of 38 cases of Dengue Type 2.

Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, during a recent press conference, said that this strain has not predominated in the population since 2010.

Tufton underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “The significance of this is that it heightens the risk of a possible outbreak.”

Comparing past and present figures

In a comparison that underscores the urgency, the 316 cases up to September 11 present a stark contrast to the 65 cases reported during the same timeframe in 2022.

“For us, it represents a concern - clearly not panic, but a concern - because it is almost five times or a five-fold increase when compared to the corresponding period in 2022, where 65 cases were reported,” Tufton said.

Worker spraying mosquito control - Caribbean National Weekly News

Geographical breakdown of the outbreak

While all parishes have reported dengue cases, specific locations like Kingston and St Andrew, St Thomas, St Catherine, Westmoreland, Portland, and St Ann have confirmed cases.

“When you look from the population perspective, the parishes... (of) St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, and St Catherine have the highest dengue activities at this particular time,” Tufton further revealed.

Younger demographic at greater risk

Shedding light on the demographic most affected, Tufton indicated that the younger populace bears a heightened risk of contracting dengue fever.

“It is important to highlight that of the 39 confirmed cases of dengue, a total of 20 belong in the five to 14-year-old age group,” the minister said.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging parents to treat children who have a fever with paracetamol and to avoid aspirin and aspirin-like medication.

Collaborative efforts in vector control

While the ministry has taken steps by deploying approximately 500 temporary vector control workers to inspect residences and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, Tufton stressed the importance of community involvement.

He reiterated the responsibility of every citizen to actively participate in eradicating mosquito breeding sites.