Jamaica appeals for blood donations to back dengue outbreak response

Kingston, Sep 27 (Prensa Latina) With an outbreak of dengue fever in Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging voluntary blood donations as it anticipates an increase in the demand for blood and blood products.

September 27, 2023
17:48

The health ministry says this is likely should the outbreak intensify and cases progress to severe dengue.

The decision responds to an expected surge in the demand for blood products, if contagions gain strength and cases progress to severe dengue, according to The Gleaner.

To be considered as donor, people must be between 17 and 60 years old and able-bodied, with a body weight over 110 pounds.

Ministry of Health, which made this call on Tuesday, September 26, said an increase in the demand for blood is likely should the outbreak intensify and cases progress to severe dengue.

“The dengue virus has four different strains (DENV 1-4) and the source is the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. While dengue is ordinarily a mild disease, in some instances it can advance to severe dengue. This can cause organ failure, blood loss, and severe fluid depletion that can lead to shock and death,” the health ministry said.

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