Health authorities here are warning of an increase in the incidence of dengue fever, with over a dozen persons now being treated for the fatal form of the disease, known as dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Josiah Rambally, said that so far this year, St Lucia had nearly doubled the number of cases reported last year, adding that the only comfort was the fact that there were no fatalities.

He told reporters that up until the end of November, there were some 97 confirmed cases of dengue here, compared to 52 recorded for the corresponding period last year.

"We suspect that the increase this year is the result of the additional rain we have had and an improved system of surveillance, where we have done a better job of detecting persons infected with the disease," he said.

The health official is also urging citizens to eliminate the breeding grounds of the Aedes egypti mosquito, which carries the virus that is associated with flu-like symptoms.