Sixteen Dengue Fever Cases Confirmed

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Health officials sounding the alarm in hopes of preventing another dengue fever outbreak as The Bahamas records 16 cases. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillan says everyone is at high risk.

In addition to the confirmed cases, health officials are keeping an eye on a suspected case in Abaco.

The health minister says the goal is to prevent an outbreak.

Despite the cases, environmental health officials say there’s no need for island-wide fogging.

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 one and two. This time officials have confirmation of serotype 3 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.

The Ministry of Health is working to build capacity at Family Island clinics.

In New Providence, Public Hospital Authority Managing Director Dr. Aubynette Rolle says PMH is ready given the already strained facility. She said the modular units introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic are all full of noninfectious patients.