Dengue cases, deaths continue to rise

Jamaica continues to record more dengue fever infections and death-related cases.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness today indicated that the number of confirmed cases has climbed to 1,534, as at Thursday, January 11, 2024.

While Dengue Serotypes 2, 3, and 4 have been identified among the population, Dengue Serotype 2 remains the dominant strain.

At the same time, there have been a total of 19 dengue-related deaths, 13 classified as suspected and six as confirmed.

All parishes continue to observe dengue cases, with Kingston & St Andrew reporting the highest number of cases (1,499) for 2023/24.

However, St Thomas continues to be the parish with the highest rate of 696.1 cases per 100,000 population, followed by Trelawny (551.7) and Hanover with 497.5 per 100,000.

The highest number of dengue cases continues to be observed in the 5–14-year-old cohort at a rate of 885.3 cases per 100,000 population.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie is urging Jamaicans to continue to take every precaution to safeguard themselves and their family from this illness.

“Persons are asked to play their part in ensuring that the dengue cases are minimised by monitoring water storage containers for mosquito breeding; keeping surroundings free of debris; destroying or treating potential mosquito breeding sites; wearing protective clothing and using a DEET-containing mosquito repellant,” cautioned Bisasor McKenzie.

Members of the public are implored not to use aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or any of the medications/pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

These drugs, when used to treat the fever in dengue, have been known to increase the severity of the disease.

On occasions, the illness can progress to severe dengue, which can result in organ failure as well as bleeding (haemorrhage), and severe fluid depletion that can lead to shock and death.

Persons experiencing fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin (petechial rash), feeling very weak, or getting confused, are to seek immediate medical attention.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.