The country is experiencing an outbreak of dengue fever.

The Health Ministry made the declaration at an emergency press conference this afternoon (Jan 3).

The announcement comes three weeks after the ministry revealed that the country was experiencing an almost 2 hundred percent increase in dengue fever cases compared to the corresponding period of 2017.

The last dengue outbreak was in 2016

Dr. Tufton revealed that although the ministry was recording an increase in the number of cases, an outbreak was not declared, until today.

He says 123 cases were recorded in December last year, and that number has surpassed the outbreak threshold, which is 96.

According to Dr. Tufton, there have been 830 suspected, presumed and confirmed cases, and of that number, 23 cases have been confirmed, so far.

In the meantime, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says emergency measures have been put in place to combat the outbreak.

Among the initiatives is the extension of enhanced vector control activities.

The Health Ministry says the programme has been extended to March this year.

A number of health facilities will also have extended opening hours.