T&T records 9th dengue death

The Ministry of Health has confirmed another dengue death in the country, taking the number of those who have succumbed to the virus this year to nine.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry also confirmed there are 911 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue fever. The number of lab-confirmed cases jumped by 86 cases from the ministry’s last statement six days ago.

On Wednesday, Guardian Media reported that 40-year-old father of five, Kern Sargeant, had died after being afflicted with symptoms of dengue fever. Before that, eight-year-old Nelisha Narine, from Princes Town, who was a Standard One student at North Trace Government Primary School, died from dengue.

Meanwhile, Tobago’s dengue cases have climbed to 36, with 18 new cases reported since August 2.

In an update on Tuesday by the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection Secretary, Dr Faith B.Yisrael said the island has not had any dengue fatalities.

County Victoria is reporting the highest number of dengue cases in T&T.

On Wednesday, Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal sharply criticised the Government’s handling of the outbreak, calling it a major failure.

Earlier this week, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh dismissed claims that there is a shortage of nurses or medical staff to attend to dengue patients, even as the T&T National Nursing Association (TTNNA) president raised concern about the pressure nurses are under due to the high level of patients reporting to health institutions seeking treatment for dengue symptoms.

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