Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer says the Health Department in each parish is working closely with school administrators to provide guidance and support for mosquito prevention and control activities.  Minister Spencer explained that given the current dengue situation, all efforts must be taken to ensure that children returning to school enjoy a health environment. He says in light of this, the Ministry is urging school administrators to ensure that their school grounds are free of mosquito breeding sites.

High levels of absenteeism by Registered Nurses have been reported at several health facilities across the island since Wednesday, September 1, 2010 in a pattern which suggests that it may be a coordinated activity. Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer says there was no notification of industrial action by the Executive of the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ).

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to visit their health care provider if they have symptoms of dengue fever. These include: headache, pain behind the eyes, joint or bone pain, muscle pain, skin rash, and nausea. Aspirin or aspirin containing medications should not be taken if these symptoms occur. Paracetamol is recommended for the relief of fever and pain.

Senator Aundre Franklin, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health was today (Tuesday, August 31, 2010) elected Vice President of the 43 year old prestigious advisory Committee of the Latin American and Caribbean Centre on Health Science Information (BIREME). The Advisory Committee met today at the Headquarters of the Pan American Health Organization, regional office of the World Health Organization in Washington D.C.