Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Health and Environment yesterday reported that there were 282 confirmed cases of dengue fever and 1,770 suspected cases, noting that this was a significant increase over the past week.

The ministry also noted that there were 11 suspected cases of the deadly dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Dengue fever is a viral illness, transmitted by the female Aedes Aegypti mosquito and occurs in two forms: dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Dengue fever is marked by the onset of sudden high fever, severe headache and pain behind the eyes, muscles and joints.

Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a potentially deadly complication that is characterised by high fever, often with enlargement of the liver - and in severe cases, circulatory failure. There are four types of dengue, type two, one of the most severe types, has been identified in Jamaica. One person has so far died from dengue fever.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, chief medical officer of health said she was concerned that householders are not taking prevention methods seriously.

action of householders

"The most effective way to stop dengue is through the action of householders ridding their surroundings of mosquito breeding sites," said Dr. Campbell-Forrester.

She noted that unless people clean up around the home and yard, there will be a difficulty in reducing the cases of dengue fever.

Dr. Campbell-Forrester said persistent rains have also interrupted control measures and produced more breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Persons with symptoms of dengue are reminded not to take aspirin as this could worsen bleeding.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Environment said there have been 29 new cases of leptospsirosis reported over the past three weeks, bringing to 129, the total number of cases since the start of the year. However, the Health Ministry said this was within the normal expected levels.

A rat-baiting and control project is being implemented in selected areas, supported by the Pan American Health Organisation, in order to reduce the rat population and interrupt the spread of the disease.

The ministry also reported that a new case of malaria has been confirmed in Riverton City, bringing to two, the number of cases that have been identified since last week.

In response to the two new cases, the Ministry of Health and Environment said surveillance of fever and mosquito breeding sites resumed in the Waterhouse and Riverton City areas.

The ministry said more than 500 house visits were made in the two communities and 369 samples of blood were taken and sent to the laboratory for malaria testing. All suspected cases are being treated.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com