Trinidad and Tobago has recorded 13 dengue-related deaths this year, as the Ministry of Health reports that the number of confirmed cases has surpassed 1,300. According to the latest update, there have been 1,315 confirmed cases of dengue fever across the country as of September 5, with health officials emphasizing the need for public vigilance to combat the spread of the disease.
The Ministry of Health has issued 914 yellow fever notices to property owners and occupants, urging them to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by cleaning up their surroundings. Legal action is being considered against 43 property owners who have failed to comply with these directives, as the government intensifies efforts to curb the spread of dengue, which is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. This mosquito species is also responsible for spreading Zika and chikungunya viruses.
The first dengue-related death in Trinidad and Tobago occurred on June 19, when a 65-year-old succumbed to the virus. The Ministry of Health has warned that symptoms of dengue usually appear five to six days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last for one to two weeks. Common symptoms include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals displaying these symptoms are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
With 13 fatalities and a rising number of confirmed cases, health authorities continue to stress the importance of community action in reducing mosquito breeding sites and preventing further spread of the disease.
