Dengue may hit Jamaica
The Caribbean Public Health Agency has stated that another regional outbreak of dengue fever may occur in the near future.
While there have been extensive outbreaks of Zika and chikungunya in Jamaica, there hasn’t been a large-scale outbreak of dengue in the past 10 years. The announcement was prompted by increased dengue case numbers in Latin America, a recent spike in cases in Jamaica and disease monitoring carried out by the Caribbean Public Health Agency.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes and severe aching of muscles and bones. A rash may appear three to four days after the onset of fever and symptoms will usually resolve in seven to 10 days, but fatigue can last for two to four weeks. As dengue is spread by mosquitoes, travellers are advised to take precautions such as covering up with long-sleeved tops, trousers and shoes and socks, and using repellent.