Barbados is monitoring a spike in suspected cases of dengue fever, 647 of which the Island has experienced this year, according to data up to October 16.
The Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) quoted Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth George saying that the 2023 figure compared to 261 for the same period last year.
George noted that outbreaks also continue in other Caribbean islands.
According to the BGIS, the Chief Medical Officer urged the removal of sites and receptacles where stagnant water could collect.
He also advised residents to use mosquito repellent on the skin, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use mosquito nets.
In addition, George reminded residents that dengue fever symptoms included – an unexplained fever, headaches, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a characteristic skin rash.
He encouraged individuals experiencing those symptoms to seek medical attention.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health would continue fogging areas where suspected or confirmed cases of dengue fever have occurred.
The BGIS said that to date, there have been no deaths attributed to dengue fever.
Barbados reported a dengue fever outbreak that began in earnest in September of this year.
