The country is seeing an increase in the number of suspected dengue cases.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has expressed concern over the number of dengue cases being reported.

The Dengue virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Dr. Tufton who was speaking at a press conference at the Ministry’s New Kingston office this morning (September 13) said there have been 316 suspected, presumed and confirmed cases so far this year.

This, he explained represents an increase when compared to the 65 cases reported for the same period last year.

Dr. Tufton added that this sort of increase in dengue cases is unusual and has not been experienced since 2010 when Jamaica experienced its last outbreak.

He also sought to explain the significance of the increase in type 2 dengue on the population.