As the country grapples with an increase in the number of dengue cases, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging persons to donate blood in anticipation of an increase in the demand for blood and blood products.

Ministry of Health, which made this call on Tuesday, September 26, said an increase in the demand for blood is likely should the outbreak intensify and cases progress to severe dengue.

“The dengue virus has four different strains (DENV 1-4) and the source is the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. While dengue is ordinarily a mild disease, in some instances it can advance to severe dengue. This can cause organ failure, blood loss, and severe fluid depletion that can lead to shock and death,” the health ministry said.

The Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak on Saturday, September 23. A total of 565 cases of the dengue virus were recorded up to Friday, September 22.

The cases are predominantly in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas.

Persons who wish to donate blood must be between the ages of 17 and 60, be in good health and must have a body weight of more than 110 pounds.

Members of the public may visit the various hospital locations to make donations, or visit the ministry’s website at http://moh.gov.jm for additional details.