THE MINISTRY of Health has so far completed its mosquito control activities in 162 communities across the island since it started its intensified programme a week ago.

This after the country recorded an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever since the start of the year. There has been 663 suspected cases of dengue as at September 15, compared to 887 for all of 2011.

This activity includes community-based education and promotion, fogging and source reduction - treatment and destruction of breeding sites.

Approximately 500 communities have been scheduled to be fogged under the programme.

In a release on Wednesday, director of Health Promotion and Protection, Dr Kevin Harvey, said the intensified activities will continue for at least the next three weeks.

"While the ministry continues to destroy breeding sites and adult mosquitoes in various communities, we urge members of the public to assist by looking around their homes and getting rid of anything in which mosquitoes can breed," he explained.

Dengue fever is spread when an Aedes aegypti mosquito bites an infected person and then bites others.

Symptoms of dengue fever include pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, weakness, fever and possibly a rash.

The ministry is advising persons who are having any of the symptoms and notice any signs of bleeding or severe abdominal pain, worsening weakness, difficulty in breathing or fainting and pale, cold or clammy skin, to seek emergency care at the nearest hospital.