St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is facing a significant dengue fever outbreak, with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment confirming 119 cases so far in 2024. Alarming statistics show that 82 cases were reported in July alone, surpassing the expected threshold and underscoring the severity of the situation.
As August approaches with hotter-than-normal weather and the peak of the hurricane season, conditions are ripe for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. The Ministry has ramped up public health measures to combat the outbreak, including increased public awareness campaigns, enhanced surveillance using GIS mapping, and bolstered vector control efforts.
A private company has been contracted to assist with fogging and source reduction, particularly in the Southern Grenadines. The public, especially vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, is urged to take extra precautions and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates.