Linstead children hospitalized with dengue-like symptoms in Spanish Town

Linstead children hospitalized with dengue-like symptoms in Spanish Town

November 3, 2019 0 By Horace Mills

Councillor for the Linstead Division in St Catherine, Herbert Garriques, said a senior medical officer at Linstead Public Hospital has confirmed that some Linstead children have been tested to ascertain whether or not they have dengue fever.

A usually credible source told The Beacon that a total of 10 children from the Rosemount Housing Scheme area of Linstead were taken to Linstead Public Hospital a few days ago, showing dengue-like symptoms.

Three of the children were transferred to Spanish Town Hospital where they initially were admitted. Two are still in hospital while one was released on Friday last week, the source further said.

One of the children – identified as Karissa Frazer, has died. However, the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained.

Garriques this afternoon told The Beacon that he made certain checks at Linstead Public Hospital after being informed about the dengue scare at Rosemount Housing Scheme.

He added: “One of the senior nurses there [at Linstead Public Hospital] said she is aware that a few children were taken to the hospital, and some of them were treated, and tests were done to see whether or not it actually is dengue. The symptoms are dengue-like.”

The results of the tests are not yet available.

Garriques further said he had discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of Linstead Public Hospital, adding that he also brought the matter to the attention of Ministry of Health personnel.

He further told The Beacon that health ministry representatives subsequently carried out fogging at Rosemount Housing Scheme in an effort to rid the area of mosquitoes.

ALSO READ: Child dies amid dengue scare in her community

Dengue fever is a disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

By Horace Mills, Journalist; B.A. degree in Media and Communications; CARIMAC, University of the West Indies.


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