MP wants Gov't to ramp up vector control programme

Member of Parliament for South East St Catherine Colin Fagan is calling on the Government to ramp up its vector control programme in Portmore.

One of the nine dengue-related fatalities in the current outbreak is that of a child from Waterford in his constituency.

Fagan said that in addition to vector control, the State needs to repair or purchase medical equipment needed to screen and treat patient.

Fagan, who is angry at the loss of the child, said that he would be working with the child's parents to help them cope with the tragic loss.

"The school community, his community is mourning. We need the Government to act fast and put in place whatever programmes that they have developed to combat the spread of dengue," he said.

Meanwhile, in response to the dengue outbreak, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and other officials are scheduled to visit the communities of Darliston, Westmoreland, and New Town, St Elizabeth, on Friday to view the work being done by vector control workers.