Over 4,000 dengue test kits sent to Berbice to contain surge in cases

The Ministry of Health has sent over 4,000 dengue test kits to Region Six as part of efforts to contain a recent surge in cases. This is according to Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony who provided an update on the situation in the Region on Tuesday.

“Because of the cases we have seen we have increased testing and we have added a number of sites where testing can be done. Over the last week we have sent more than 4000 test kits to Region Six alone so that they can increase the amount of testing they are doing,” the health minister revealed.

This move also follows the deaths of 12-year-old Lokesh Ibrahim and a six-year-old boy from dengue-related complications.

“We have been seeing a set of cases in Region Six and the ministry has taken a very proactive approach. So, we have been working with all the NDCs in Region Six to be able to control the mosquito population,” Dr Anthony stated, further adding that every Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has been given equipment and chemicals.

“….they are doing fogging and larva sighting,” Dr Anthony said. Health teams are also conducting house-to-house visits to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites such as stagnant water.

Meanwhile, a special team has also been set up with regional and central health officials, to monitor the situation.

The New Amsterdam, Skeldon, and Port Mourant Hospitals have received additional resources to handle any rise in hospitalisations.

Last week, it was reported that in April alone, Region Six recorded 332 dengue cases.