We also spoke to another northern Minister - Kevin Bernard about the Dengue outbreak in the Belize District.
The Minister of Health and Wellness told us today that they are still waiting to confirm if the disease may have led to the death of a teacher recently.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
"Yes there is, I must confess that there has been an outbreak of it, Dengue, in the Belize District. I know a few weeks ago when I was informed, through my Director of Public Health, that they will have to scale up, spraying in the Belize District. Immediately we sourced the required malathion that is needed for the spraying. We had to hire temporary workers immediately. I think we got about eight temporary workers to go in to assist the vector team in Belize District, so that we could get spraying done. I know we are also doing, putting out ads. We are also doing house to house campaigns and to ensure that people are aware that dengue, can be protected. I mean, catching Dengue can be protected. We have to encourage people to get rid of containers withholding water, tires and old things in their yard. But at the same time, the ministry is doing its best to ensure that we could keep on spraying in the Belize district. Unfortunately, you know, we have had an increase of stays in the hospital at KHMH because of dengue. And we're hoping that it doesn't lead to more serious issues. I must also mention before, I figured
out that's one of the questions, that there is a case of a female teacher I understand who passed away. And initially, her test result was that she was positive for dengue. But we are also ascertaining other causes because that's the reason why the team at KHMH has requested an autopsy, which I understand is going to be done this week, to ensure that we could really verify whether or not the person died because of the complication of dengue or if were there any other serious and complications may have caused her death."
