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The Ministry of Health is calling on Portland residents to rid their environment of mosquito breeding sites, such as containers that may contain water. The appeal comes as reported dengue cases have increased.
The disclosure was made by Dr. Sharon Lewis, chief medical officer of Portland, at the monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation on Thursday. Lewis said the parish had seen a steady rise in the number of suspected cases of dengue fever caused by a mosquito-borne virus.
"At the end of August, 276 suspected dengue cases were reported for 2019," said Lewis.
She added, "During the first week of September, 13 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported. [noted]. Information on the location of these dengue cases, whether suspected or confirmed, is what guides our operations in the field, including how we organize our nebulization schedule. "
She noted that there were three health districts in the parish: the Manchioneal Health District, the Port Antonio Health District, and the Buff Bay Health District.
"Most cases are seen in the health district of Port Antonio, and this is the increase between June and the first week of September," she said.
Lewis said a small team of vector control workers, supported by 60 temporary workers, is deployed in the parish communities and briefs residents on how to control mosquito breeding and reduce spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
"They are looking for mosquitoes in the breeding grounds and are treating or destroying them. They also record their findings and we use this data to guide our activities. Until now, a death has been confirmed regarding dengue, which involved a small child last year, "added Lewis.
Several communities, including Prospect, Anchovy Land Settlement, Breastworks, Boundbrook, Stony Hill, Bryan's Bay and Fellowship, are experiencing mosquito nuisance.
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