There are at least 600 confirmed cases of Dengue fever in Trinidad and Tobago and the mosquito borne illness has already killed three people.The health ministry is also investigating two additional deaths to determine if the victims had the deadly fever.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Anton Cumberbatch admitted to reporters Friday that while these are official figures there could be more cases since some victims are being treated at private health institutions, which have not reported cases to the ministry.
However Cumberbatch is not declaring an epidemic and he said there is no need for panic.
He explained that when things get out of control patients are sent to public institutions which explains why there are no deaths reported in the private health care centres.
"We have services not available in the private health sector. Very rarely do you see a report of a dengue death in the private sector, because they are always referred to us in the last stages of complications," Cumberbatch said.
He added that people need to be more vigilant with their own health.
"Some patients left and did not come back when they were told to, some don't know how long they have had the symptoms. Once you go into shock, it is very difficult for clinicians to help," he said.
Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis said the ministry of health is increasing spraying especially in those parts of the country that are more prone to the disease.
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