Jamaica is currently facing a significant health challenge as the Ministry of Health has declared an outbreak of dengue fever. The declaration comes as the country has surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold for July and August, with a similar trajectory for September. This alarming situation indicates a surge in the number of dengue cases compared to the usual numbers seen during this time of the year.
As of the latest update, Jamaica has reported a total of 565 suspected, presumed, and confirmed cases of dengue. While there have been no officially classified dengue-related deaths at this time, the ministry is actively investigating six deaths. The majority of these cases have been concentrated in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, and St. Thomas, with Dengue Type 2 being the dominant strain, which last predominated in 2010.
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease characterised by symptoms such as fever, headache, joint and muscle pains. In most cases, dengue is a mild illness that can be managed with rest and adequate hydration. The recommended treatment for the fever is acetaminophen/paracetamol.
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However, it is essential to note that aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should not be used to treat dengue fever. These medications, when used for dengue-related fever, can exacerbate the severity of the disease. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, warns that dengue can sometimes progress to Severe Dengue, which can result in organ failure, bleeding, severe fluid depletion, shock, and even death. If you experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin (petechial rash), weakness, or confusion, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Vector Control Efforts
To combat the dengue outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has deployed approximately 500 temporary vector control workers to high-risk communities, along with 213 permanent workers. An additional 600 temporary workers will join the efforts to intensify search and destroy activities and health education initiatives.
Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, emphasised that significant investments have been made in the vector control program since 2019. This includes acquiring vehicles, fogging machines, and expanding the number of staff dedicated to vector management. These efforts aim to minimize the breeding and spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the carrier of dengue.
Community Engagement and Mitigation Strategies
The Ministry plans to engage communities at the grassroots level to implement dengue mitigation strategies. This includes providing resources for the removal of bulky waste and conducting drain-cleaning exercises nationwide. Since July 2023, parish health departments have been actively involved in enhanced fogging and treatment of breeding sites, leading to an extended work week for mosquito eradication activities.
In addition to these measures, Type 3–5 Health Centers’ opening hours will be extended to 8:00 p.m. starting Monday, October 2, 2023. This change is intended to facilitate easier access to treatment and referrals for those in need. Furthermore, as of the same date, children under the age of 18 visiting the University Hospital of the West Indies will no longer be charged fees for services.
Emergency Response and Public Awareness
To closely monitor and manage the outbreak, the National Emergency Operations Centre and emergency operations centers in all parishes were activated on Monday, September 25, 2023. These centers will coordinate efforts to minimize dengue cases across the island.
Preventing Mosquito Breeding
It’s crucial for the public to understand that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for transmitting dengue, breeds in any containerized environment that can hold water. Common breeding sites for these mosquitoes include drums, tires, buckets, and animal feeding containers. To minimize the outbreak, individuals are urged to play their part by:
- Monitoring water storage containers for mosquito breeding.
- Keeping their surroundings free of debris.
- Destroying or treating potential mosquito breeding sites.
- Wearing protective clothing.
- Using a DEET-containing mosquito repellent.
- Staying indoors at dusk with windows and doors closed whenever possible.
The dengue fever outbreak in Jamaica demands immediate attention and cooperation from the public. By following preventive measures, seeking timely medical attention, and supporting vector control efforts, we can collectively combat this health crisis and protect the well-being of our communities. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay vigilant against dengue.
