The Ministry of Health & Wellness says Jamaica has recorded nearly 60 suspected cases of dengue fever since the start of this year.

Dengue fever is spread to people by the bite of an infected aedes aegypti mosquito.

 

Everton Baker, Director of Environmental Health, said that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in light of recent heavy rains and the resultant increase in the mosquito population.  

 

In that regard, he disclosed that there has been an increse in mosquito fogging.

 

Mr. Baker is urging householders to rid their surroundings of mosquito-breeding sites.

 

He added that climate change has resulted in longer breeding seasons for mosquitoes.