Campbell calls for dengue blood donations

Dr Dayton Campbell, opposition spokesperson on health, is calling for members of the public to give blood in order to assist persons who develop complications from dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Speaking today at a press conference at the People’s National Party’s headquarters in St Andrew, the medical doctor explained that persons who develop dengue hemorrhagic fever is as a result of their platelet count falling.

He said it would therefore be wise for the government to have ample blood available to cater to persons who develop such complications.

“Platelet is what causes the blood to clot,” he said.

“We want to use this opportunity to make a national call for persons to go in and donate blood so that the ministry and the government will be in a position, that when these persons are affected by dengue heamoragic fever and their platelet count falls, they can get platelets for transfusion,” Campbell urged.

Noting that the Caribbean Public Health Agency issued an advisory in May stating that the Caribbean region should brace for dengue outbreaks, the opposition spokesperson argued that better mitigation strategies should have been implemented by Jamaica.

He said it is important for the health ministry to increase its public sensitisation efforts.

Last Thursday, health minister Dr Christopher Tufton outlined that for December 2018, there were 123 reported dengue cases - which includes suspected, presumed, and confirmed cases.

The number exceeds the outbreak threshold of 96 cases.

He said that seven suspected dengue-related deaths have been reported since the start of the dengue season, with two of those cases confirmed. 

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.