Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Jamaica, October 18, 2023 – Voluntary blood donations have been requested by Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness as a precautionary measure in case the recently declared dengue outbreak reaches severe levels.

This comes as the ministry is cognizant of the possibility of dengue progressing to what it called “Severe Dengue” leading to an increase in demand for “blood and blood products.”

Dengue, it says, as it expressed these growing concerns in a September 26th release, can advance to a level that is cause for concern, despite typically being a mild disease.

In fact, it further evoked caution, informing that the disease can get to a life threatening level as organ failure may occur, blood loss hence the reason for the call for blood donations and severe fluid depletion which can lead to shock and death.

Additionally, the ministry provides the necessary information for blood donation for interested individuals. It says one must be ages 17 to 60 years and in good health, carrying a body weight over 110 pounds.

To see the locations where blood can be donated, as well as the time frame allowed, visit https://www.moh.gov.jm/health-ministry-encourages-voluntary-blood-donations-to-support-dengue-outbreak-response/ .

Cases are increasing in Jamaica. As of September 29th, as reported by the Ministry, cases stood at 1060 with 132 confirmed as dengue type 2 strain dominating the case count.

To minimize the increase of dengue, the ministry calls on the public to do its part by “monitoring water storage containers for mosquito breeding; keeping surroundings free of debris; destroying or treating potential mosquito breeding sites; wearing protective clothing and using DEET-containing mosquito repellant.”

UPDATED: October 22, 2023