In response to a rise in dengue infections in Region Six, the Ministry of Health has dispatched over 4,000 test kits to help contain the cases.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony confirmed this during an update on Tuesday, as authorities ramp up interventions to curb the spread of the virus.
The surge in cases has prompted heightened attention, especially following the recent deaths of two children: 12-year-old Lokesh Ibrahim and a six-year-old boy, both of whom succumbed to complications related to dengue.
As of last week, health officials reported 332 confirmed dengue cases in the region for April alone. In response, a special task force comprising central and regional health authorities has been established to monitor the evolving situation closely.
“We have been seeing a set of cases in Region Six, and the Ministry has taken a very proactive approach,” Dr. Anthony stated.
“We’ve been working with all the NDCs in the region to help control the mosquito population. Every NDC has been supplied with fogging equipment and chemicals. They’re conducting fogging, larviciding, and house-to-house inspections, advising residents on how to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.”
Dr. Anthony said authorities have increased the number of testing sites over the past week, with more than 4,000 test kits sent to Region Six alone.
Additional medical resources have been allocated to the New Amsterdam, Skeldon, and Port Mourant hospitals to ensure timely treatment for those who fall ill. These facilities, the Minister noted, have been prepared to manage increased patient loads, should hospitalisations rise.
Dr. Anthony expressed confidence that with the current measures in place, the situation is on track to stabilise in the coming days.
“With the increased focus and rapid response mechanisms activated, we are hopeful that we will regain full control of the situation shortly.”
Residents are urged to cooperate with health teams and remain vigilant in eliminating stagnant water and other mosquito breeding sites around their homes.
