The Ministry of Health reports a decline in a recent outbreak of respiratory illness but dengue cases continue to rise.
The ministry says in an update issued today that it has noted a decrease in respiratory illness up to the week ending November 25th.
However, the public is being encouraged to continue good respiratory hygiene, including covering coughs and sneezes, and frequently washing or sanitizing hands.
In relation to dengue fever, the health ministry indicates that an outbreak continues with one thousand, 712 suspected and 277 confirmed cases in the current spate.
Dengue type 2 was the predominant virus identified followed by type 3. There were only 5 type 1 cases seen earlier in the year.
The ministry says the outbreak began in October, and intensified in November.
The public is encouraged to continue with precautionary measures to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites.
These include using mosquito repellent; wearing light coloured clothing and long-sleeved pants and shirts, especially during the dusk to dawn period; using insect screens at opened windows or doors; using mosquito nets over beds or cribs.
Health care providers are encouraged to notify the Ministry of Health and Wellness about both suspected and confirmed cases.
The ministry also states that there have been no dengue-related deaths during this outbreak.
