Nationwide Epidemiologist Dr. Karen Webster-Kerr has sounded the alarm in regards to the relentless surge of dengue cases in Jamaica. In line with Dr. Webster-Kerr, Jamaica may file greater than 1,000 confirmed, suspected, and presumed instances of the dengue virus every month till the primary quarter of subsequent 12 months.
A dire prediction: 1,400 instances month-to-month
Dr. Webster-Kerr famous that Jamaica may presumably see a staggering 1,400 instances month-to-month.
Throughout an interview with Radio Jamaica’s Hotline on Friday, Dr. Webster-Kerr indicated that the outbreak may endure till round March, after which, a gradual lower might be anticipated.
Present statistics
Jamaica’s Ministry of Well being & Wellness has reported alarming figures for dengue instances.
Dr. Webster-Kerr famous that in September, 1,409 confirmed, suspected, and presumed instances of dengue have been formally recorded.
October has already witnessed 240 instances.
Affirmation and testing
The well being ministry has reported 434 instances which have been confirmed as dengue infections.
These instances have been confirmed from roughly 2,107 samples suspected or presumed to be dengue instances.
There have been seven dengue-related deaths — 5 categorized as suspected and two as confirmed.
Preventative measures
For the reason that outbreak was confirmed in September, the ministry has put a number of mitigation measures in place, which embody a public training marketing campaign, scientific administration, destroying mosquito breeding websites (primarily positioned within the properties of residents), and neighborhood fogging.
The US, by the U.S. Company for Worldwide Growth (USAID), can also be serving to Jamaica struggle the outbreak, with an preliminary donation of USD$500,000.
The U.S. embassy in Kingston additionally released a health alert on its web site for United States residents touring to the island.
