THE Ministry of Health recorded 58 new dengue cases between July 20 and July 23.

In an update on July 23, the ministry said it has recorded 450 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue fever so far for 2024.

On July 20 the ministry had recorded 392 cases.

The number of deaths is unchanged at four laboratory-confirmed deaths.

So far Tobago has reported one confirmed dengue case.

The fourth death was confirmed in a news release on July 20, the same day Trinidad and Tobago's third dengue fatality, 16-year-old Quinton Gabriel of Robert Hill, Siparia, was laid to rest.

The public, the ministry said, is reminded that dengue fever may be spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Symptoms appear within four to six days of being bitten, last for one to two weeks and can include: fever, headaches (sometimes severe), pain behind eyes, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea.

"Anyone showing signs or symptoms of dengue fever should seek immediate medical treatment at their doctor or the nearest health facility," the ministry said.

Source reduction tips:

The ministry reminded the public that the best means of reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases is through eliminating breeding sites of the

Aedes aegypti mosquito. The public is urged to:

1. Dispose of all unwanted articles, derelict vehicles or appliances in the yard or environs which can collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds.

2. Cover water containers such as tanks, barrels, drums or buckets with a mosquito-proof covering.

3. Cut down and remove all bush or undergrowth that can harbour mosquitoes.

4. Clean drains and guttering to allow the free flow of water.

5. Use mosquito nets and insect repellent, when appropriate, as a means of personal protection.

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