Four babies die of suspected dengue haemorrhagic fever at Bustamante Hospital

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says four babies at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St. Andrew have died of suspected dengue haemorrhagic fever in the last few days. 

 

Speaking with RJR News Tuesday morning, Dr. Tufton said a high number of patients have been admitted with suspected dengue.

 

As of December 25, the Health Minister said there are about 20 suspected cases of the mosquito-borne disease at the hospital.

 

He said the samples will be sent to a lab for confirmation.

 

According to the Health Minister, there are complications with some patients because of the types of medication their parents have administered to them, before taking them to hospital.

 

He suggested the use of pharmaceuticals such as Panadol, Paracetamol and Cetamol to treat the symptoms of dengue since other medication can lead to the more severe dengue haemorrhagic fever. 

 

The Health Minister said the ministry continues to implement measures to deal with the uptick in dengue cases. The measures include extended hours for clinics, community health aides doing more inspections, more advertisements for TV, greater rotation on scheduling for staff at busy hospitals and a public education campaign. 

 

Dr. Tufton said apart from the four suspected cases at Bustamante Hospital, there are also four cases of suspected dengue at facilities in the Northeast Regional Health Authority.