Nine-Year-Old Dies From Dengue Fever

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillan who gave the update at a dengue fever press conference was unable to give much detail into the death but did say he presented to a healthcare facility with a viral type illness. She said the youngster didn’t complete care.

There are now 88 cases of dengue fever in The Bahamas across four islands. New Providence, Exuma, the Berry Islands and Grand Bahama.

Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the cases have a history of travel to New Providence.

Meanwhile, health officials say we’re now dealing with an outbreak, adding their looking to prevent a major outbreak.

This is the second time The Bahamas has seen a cluster of cases of dengue fever.

Back in 2011, The Bahamas saw an outbreak of serotypes 1 and 2. This time officials have confirmation of serotype 1 which Darville says is concerning. Even more alarming is the news from the chief medical officer that everyone is at high risk.

Classic signs are fevers, aches, pains, rash, and headaches. However, Dr. McMillan says up to 80% of these infected won’t show symptoms.

Officials from the Department of Environmental Health say fogging is focused on areas where there are confirmed cases.