With a dengue outbreak declared for Jamaica, the Health and Wellness Ministry has activated various measures to reduce the impact of the illness.

Portfolio minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton said the regional health authorities made the necessary preparations for an outbreak.

He noted that since 2019, the ministry has made significant investments in the vector control programme, including the acquisition of fogging machines, and deployment of additional vector control workers.

Dr. Tufton said the National Health Fund will expand the community strategies, such as supporting the removal of bulky waste and drain clearing.

He said the emergency operations centres in all parishes, will be activated, effective on Monday September 25.

Additionally, starting Monday, October 2, the opening hours for all type 3 to 5 health centres will be extended to 8 p.m.