Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, today told parliament that since 2019, there have been 10,559 notifications of dengue cases in Jamaica.
Of that number, 6,114 have been classified as suspected, presumed or confirmed as at November 7.
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| Dr. Christopher Tufton |
Tufton said that there have been 44 deaths, adding that people aged five to 14 years old represent the group with the highest number of deaths.
He pointed out that the Ministry’s blood transfusion service is challenged to keep up with the demand for blood platelets to treat the serious/severe dengue cases.
The Blood Bank, he said, will continue its drive to increase its blood supply and Tufton appealed to members of the public, who are able to, to donate blood. Additionally, Tufton disclosed that the Cabinet has approved $1 billion over the next three months to enhance the existing vector control programme.
He indicated that an estimated $581 million have been spent on the country’s dengue response, including.
Of the $1 billion in new money, $469 million will be to buy vehicles, foggers, tablets for water treatment, and to pay vector control workers. Opposition Spokesman on Health Dr Morais Guy told Tufton that the government has acted too late in the dengue fight. more
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