Tag: Dengue fever

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

November 5, 2020

We could also call this the “U.S. Election Edition,” since many Jamaicans have been nervously following that particular emotional rollercoaster. Why are Jamaicans so engaged? Well, as people say, “When the U.S. sneezes, we catch cold.” We are geographically so close and many of us have family there. South Florida is nicknamed “Kingston 21” – … More ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

Coronavirus, Influenza and Dengue Fever Updates for Jamaica

February 5, 2020

It seems that the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is by no means finished with us yet. Earlier today, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists at a press briefing (full audio here) that:  “As of 6am Geneva time this morning, there are 24,363 confirmed 2019-nCoV cases in China, and 490 deaths. … More Coronavirus, Influenza and Dengue Fever Updates for Jamaica

A Nervous Tuesday: That Virus, and an Earthquake

January 29, 2020

It started off as quite a normal Tuesday. I attended the launch and signing of the contract for a major health program – the Health Systems Strengthening Programme – at the Courtyard Marriott. I will provide more details in my next blog post; suffice it to say that it is the largest health infrastructure program … More A Nervous Tuesday: That Virus, and an Earthquake

Ministry of Health and Wellness Update on Dengue Fever Outbreak (Delivered to Parliament, Tuesday, November 12)

November 13, 2019

The ongoing outbreak of dengue fever continues to create anxiety and concern among the general public, especially in relation to young children and other vulnerable Jamaicans.  But panicking won’t help. Everyone needs to take responsibility for their health and the health of others. And it’s amazing how irresponsible some citizens are – almost deliberately so. In … More Ministry of Health and Wellness Update on Dengue Fever Outbreak (Delivered to Parliament, Tuesday, November 12)

Children up to 12 Years Can Access Free Medical Care at University Hospital

October 30, 2019

Cases of dengue fever persist, and challenges remain. As Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton stresses repeatedly, the best way to deal with it is to destroy breeding sites (80 percent of them are around the home). As he also pointed out – dengue fever is here to stay. There used to be a … More Children up to 12 Years Can Access Free Medical Care at University Hospital

Ministry of Health Advises Continued Caution Against Viral Illnesses

December 28, 2018

Minister of Health Christopher Tufton was scheduled to visit the community of Gregory Park in St. Catherine today. The whole of the Portmore area is quite a “hot spot” for mosquitoes; after all, it was built on or near wetlands. The problem of dengue fever continues, especially among children, where suspected cases have increased. Be … More Ministry of Health Advises Continued Caution Against Viral Illnesses

Jamaica among Four Countries to Benefit from Regional Rainwater Harvesting Project

December 24, 2018

Water remains a critical issue for the Caribbean, and one aspect of the Investment Plan of the Caribbean Regional Track of the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR) focuses on this issue. What do we do in long periods of drought? What happens when we fail to store water properly? Water is much more complex than … More Jamaica among Four Countries to Benefit from Regional Rainwater Harvesting Project

Health Ministry Takes Measures to Stem the Tide of Dengue Infections

December 20, 2018

This year’s prevalence of dengue fever is definitely higher than last year. It has been fairly warm and also quite wet. There are several ways in which you can discourage the mosquito from breeding around your house, including properly disposing of garbage (which can often harbour little breeding spots) and covering all water containers. Put … More Health Ministry Takes Measures to Stem the Tide of Dengue Infections

It’s a More Active Season, But There is No Dengue Outbreak, Says Health Ministry

December 4, 2018

This year there are quite a few more suspected cases of dengue fever in Jamaica. It has been very rainy in most weeks, and breeding grounds may have been increasing. Dengue is no joke – as I know from experience! The rare haemorrhagic fever is very dangerous. Closing windows and doors at early morning and … More It’s a More Active Season, But There is No Dengue Outbreak, Says Health Ministry

Health Ministry Confirms a Suspected Dengue Fever Death

September 4, 2018

Dengue fever is no joke. Having had it once (a fairly “mild” form) some 20 years ago, I could never go through that nightmare again. Sadly, someone has died from a suspected case of dengue hemorraghic fever, which is not so common but very serious. Here is a note from the Ministry of Health, reminding … More Health Ministry Confirms a Suspected Dengue Fever Death