Dengue still a public health concern – medical chief
Tamoy Ashman / Our Today
With more than 1,500 confirmed cases of dengue fever, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie is urging Jamaicans to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their family from dengue, warning that the virus is still a concern.
As of January 11, 2024, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed 1,534 cases of dengue. Kingston and St Andrew reported the majority of cases, while St Thomas has the highest rate of infection with 696.1 cases per 100,000 population.
Additionally, there are six confirmed dengue-related deaths and 13 suspected deaths related to the virus.
“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,” said the CMO.
She further urged citizens who have contracted the virus to rest and hydrate themselves adequately throughout the period of sickness.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
The public is reminded that they should not use aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or any of the medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat dengue. Instead, they should use acetaminophen or paracetamol.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that causes mild illnesses such as fever, headaches, and joint and muscle pains. However, the illness can progress to severe dengue, leading to organ failure and severe fluid depletion that can lead to shock or death.
The Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak in Jamaica on September 23, 2023. The last dengue outbreak in Jamaica occurred in 2019. The outbreak lasted for a year, and more than 6,000 cases were reported.
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