Jamaicans urged to continue Dengue prevention measures

Jamaicans are reminded to continuously take the appropriate precautions to prevent dengue fever infection.

Dr Tonia Dawkins-Beharie, Medical Officer of Health of St. Elizabeth Health Services, urged individuals not to become complacent in the fight against the disease.

She spoke at the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Black River on Thursday.

Dr Dawkins-Beharie reported that the Aedes aegypti mosquito index for November in St. Elizabeth was 9.9 per cent, which was less than the rate for the same month in 2021.

She stated that despite this, individuals should prevent the spread of the disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

“We wish to inform everyone that our typical dengue season runs from September to March, so we are vigilant. Dr Dawkins-Beharie emphasized that, despite the fact that our Aedes index is now acceptable, we must be vigilant.

The Medical Officer noted that several areas of St. Elizabeth have been receiving frequent rains, which has led to an increase in the population of Culex mosquitoes.

In light of this, she underlined various measures individuals can take to better protect themselves.

Dr Dawkins-Beharie said, “We recommend people to protect themselves against mosquito bites by covering up, wearing insect repellent, and utilizing other preventative measures, as well as to search for and eliminate mosquito breeding areas in and around their houses.”

She reported that the parish’s vector-control staff is intensifying efforts to prevent the transmission of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases through adulticidal actions and public awareness campaigns.