Rising Dengue Cases Plague Central Parishes

Health authorities in at least two central parishes are lamenting the rising number of Dengue cases following recent tropical storms. This as there is been an increase in Aedes Egypti mosquitoes, carriers of the virus in both parishes.

Authorities say while residents are having challenges they should take responsibility to eradicate some of these breeding grounds. After the heavy rains, some parishes have seen an increase in mosquitoes which have subsequently led to an increase in Dengue cases.

Chief Public Health Inspector for St. Elizabeth, Everod Lewis, says the parish’s Aedes Aegypti index was at 10 percent for the month of August. He says after their visiting over 7,000 homes for the period, they recognized that 711 premises were positive.

Lewis says he is aware of the challenges right across St. Elizabeth, areas which are now breeding mosquitoes. However, he says the Health Department and the vector unit continue to work to correct the growing problem.

This is not a river or pond but a plot of land in Clarendon, where water has settled after Tropical Storm Ida. Residents say this has bred the vectors that have been constant nuisances since the water has settled.

Mayor of May Pen, Winston Maragh says though the Health Department is out to do the fogging he is encouraging residents to do their part in eliminating the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. He suggested putting fish in these settled waters can help.

More in this CVM Live story from Paige Dixon: