KINGSTON, Jamaica – While there has been an explosion in the mosquito population, in particular nuisance mosquitoes as a result of recent heavy rains, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has assured that Jamaica is not experiencing a dengue outbreak.

In fact, as of Monday, October, 13, the country has recorded just two dengue-related deaths and the number of dengue cases has been below the normal epidemic threshold since September 2024 Tufton said Tuesday in a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives.

He shared that to date, there have been 23 dengue cases recorded for the month of September (suspected and confirmed).

“This is well below the epidemic threshold of 257. At the same time, Jamaica is currently experiencing a notable increase in mosquito populations across multiple species, particularly nuisance mosquitoes, in and around domestic spaces. The recent shift from drought to intense rainfall has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding,” the minister said.

He cautioned that while there is currently no significant rise in the Aedes aegypti mosquito which carries the dengue virus, “We do expect an increase in this disease-carrying type by the end of October into November”.

The minister reminded that dengue is endemic to Jamaica, and all four serotypes have been identified and have caused outbreaks. The recent dengue outbreaks occurred in 2007, 2010, 2012/2013, 2016, 2018-2020 and 2023-2024, with increasing frequency noted over the period.

On the bright side, Tufton said “The data from the National Surveillance Unit indicates that dengue fever activity is low as of the week ending October 11, 2025.

Year-to-date, there have been 379 dengue cases for 2025, much fewer when compared to 1,819 for the same period last year. There were also two dengue deaths last year and two this year”.

He cautioned further that while the historical dengue season is between September and January, peaking in October, for 2025, the seasonal line has not been exceeded as of October 11.

“Based on epidemiological surveillance data the 2025/2026 dengue season is either delayed in onset, or the dengue season is a low activity season,” Tufton said.

–          Lynford Simpson