Dengue cases rise in The Bahamas

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, August 29, 2023 – The Bahamas has reported an increase in dengue cases as there are now 21, with three people said to be in the hospital last week according to health officials.

Last week there were 16 cases until yesterday August 28th, 2023 when 5 additional cases were found.  Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness, reported, when there were only 16, that all cases were in New Providence, and one suspected case in Abaco. Reports have not revealed if these cases still remain in New Providence.

He informed that they have lab confirmation of a serotype 3 case which is of great concern.

“This means that if someone who has experienced dengue type 1 and 2 from the previous outbreak becomes infected with type 3 they are at serious risk for severe illness and hospitalization,” he maintained.

The minister gave some background on dengue outbreak throughout The Bahamas highlighting serotype 1 and 2.

“In 2011, The Bahamas experienced a severe outbreak of dengue fever and at that time a significant number of the population were confirmed positive for serotype 1 and 2 presenting to our clinics and hospitals with mild symptoms of dengue.

Despite the alarming revelation, Darville reassured the public that efforts are being made to keep track of and combat the disease.

He said, “the public should be aware that my ministry’s National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit and Department of Public Health teams in New Providence and Abaco are actively monitoring these positive cases and family members,” adding that “all health facilities are on high alert” and that the Department of Environmental Health Services is working hard to control vectors.