Jamaica's health ministry calls for vigilance amid increase in Dengue cases

The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness has reported a noticeable uptick in Dengue cases in the country. Reports are that since the beginning of the year, there has been a 13 per cent increase in mosquito-borne disease cases, surpassing the figures reported in the 2021 and 2022 epidemiological years. However, the country is currently not experiencing an outbreak.

Detection of the Type 2 Dengue virus

In collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the health ministry has identified nine instances of the Type 2 Dengue virus across four parishes: Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Catherine, and Westmoreland. Reports are that this specific virus type has not been detected in the Jamaican population since 2010, increasing concerns over a potential outbreak in the region.

Proactive measures by Jamaica’s health ministry

The health ministry remains proactive in addressing these rising numbers. Some of their current initiatives include revising the existing infrastructure and inventory for better management of the expanded vector control program. There is also a focus on ramping up Dengue prevention and control activities, coordinated through both the Regional Health Authorities and the Parish Health Department. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, highlighted the introduction of enhanced public education and vector control measures. This enhancement features community-based vector control workers and a concerted effort to boost vector control methods, such as fogging in high-risk areas. The Ministry has also put in place enhanced public education and vector control measures, which includes community-based vector control workers. Moreover, public health laboratories are enhancing their testing capacities. Also, Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) are joining forces for an integrated approach, pooling resources and funding to ensure a comprehensive strategy against Dengue.

Dengue in Jamaica: Transmission and seasonal peaks

Dengue remains a globally prevalent mosquito-borne disease, with a staggering 50 to 100 million cases reported worldwide annually. Since 1977, Jamaica has experienced continuous local transmission of the virus, witnessing outbreaks every two to four years over the past decade. The highest transmission season for Dengue in Jamaica coincides with the country’s rainy season, which runs from August to December. The Dengue virus, which has four strains, primarily spreads through the bite of the infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito.