Two deaths have been recorded as a result of the current dengue fever outbreak.
In a release today, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported that there was one confirmed case, a 70-year-old male, and a suspected case, a 48-year-old male. The 70-year-old man had shown signs of recovering from dengue and was discharged from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) but was readmitted with another ailment to which he succumbed.
Additionally, the 48-year-old had other severe comorbidities, including chronic renal failure. He also passed away at the QEH.
The current outbreak began in October, 2023, and continues into the beginning of the new year. However, the ministry recently reported that it had shown some signs of slowing down.
Up to the end of December 22, 2023, the total confirmed cases for the year had increased to 428, with 2 105 clinically suspected cases. Type 2 remained the predominant serotype identified, followed by serotype 3 of the dengue virus. This compares to 2022, when there were no confirmed cases and only 24 suspected cases. (PR/NS)
There is a new vaccine available for Dengue called QDenga. It’s been approved for use in Europe but neither the Barbados Government nor the private drug importers are bringing it in to Barbados. Please can they consider doing so?
Some Bajans may not want to take the vaccine like they didn’t want the covid one.