The Ministry of Health has admitted that more than 500 people have come down with dengue fever so far this year as confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne illness have more than doubled.
According to a statement issued late yesterday evening following the death of a popular banker, the Ministry of Health said there were 511 confirmed cases of dengue fever so far this year, compared with 169 for the same period last year. At the end of last year 431 confirmed cases were reported.
“One death from dengue fever was recorded in May this year, while a recent death is being investigated,” the statement noted.
The ministry’s announcement came as the worrying outbreak in Barbados hit Republic Bank Limited, with the sudden death yesterday morning of manager Lorraine Sealy.
It is suspected, Sealy, 43, who was customer service manager of the Worthing, Christ Church branch, died from the mosquito-borne illness. (GE)
