The St. Ann Health Department recorded 3 confirmed cases of dengue fever for November.

Medical officer for St. Ann, Dr. Deborah Weir, told the recent St. Ann Municipal Corporation monthly meeting, that health officials have also noted an increase in suspected cases, over recent weeks.

Dr. Weir said there were 5 suspected cases in October, whereas November recorded 18 suspected cases.

Only 3 of these were confirmed by the National Health Laboratory.

She said the suspected cases were reported in all health districts across the parish, and involve both adults and children.

Dr. Weir stressed that the spike in suspected cases is expected at this time of year, due to increased mosquito breeding.

She reiterated that the mainstay of treating dengue fever is prevention and encouraged citizens to seek out and destroy mosquito breeding sites.

Dr. Weir also reminded citizens to look out for signs and symptoms of dengue, such as a high fever, pain and headache, and to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

The medical officer warned that only paracetamol tablets should be taken for pain suspected to be associated with dengue fever.

Dr. Weir added that other vector borne illnesses, such as Zika and Chic-V, are under control, and that the health department continues to monitor these.