Health officials in Antigua and Barbuda have reported an additional five suspected cases of dengue fever in the country.
According to information from the Ministry of Health, of the five new suspected cases there are three males and two females who reside in English Harbour, Belleview, Pares, All Saints and All Saints Road areas, between the ages of 7 and 58.
The information was released on Friday during a meeting of the newly created Dengue Task Force. The ministry said three of the patients were admitted to the Pediatric Unit at the Mount St. John’s Medical Center.
These additional cases bring the total number of suspected cases between April 2018 and January 18, 2019, to 15. Only two of the cases have been confirmed.
The Task Force comprises key medical professionals from within the ministry and hospital. It also includes the Barbuda Council, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross.
Director of Pharmaceutical Services Alfred Athill confirmed to the team that a number of rapid Dengue test kits will be arriving on island within 24 hours.
Meanwhile the ministry said the Central Board of Health (CBH) has increased the number of inspections being carried out by the Vector Control Unit throughout the various communities.
They have also increased fogging operations and the education campaign to combat mosquito breeding. The ministry said it will continue doing all within its power to mitigate the threat of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.