THERE have been 36 confirmed dengue cases in Tobago. Tobago House of Assembly Health Secretary Albert Pilgrim said yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Division of Health to update the country on the dengue situation, Pilgrim said the cases had been confirmed after tests at the Public Health Laboratory in Trinidad.

He said during the period January 1 — August 23, there were 507 screenings of persons who had dengue symptoms of dengue in Tobago and of those 36 were confirmed positive.

Most of these patients have since recovered and returned to their normal routine, Pilgrim said. However, he said there was an increase in the monthly reportings in August, numbering 207 to date.

"This is attributed to the two main factors, first that we are now heavily into the rainy season and secondly, the increased awareness by the public responding to our call to come in and be tested, and therefore seeking medical attention at the first signs of suspected dengue fever," Pilgrim said.

Also at the briefing was Tobago Regional Health Authority Medical Director Dr Marie Dillon Remy, who disputed the reported death of a Bon Accord woman from dengue. She said although the woman tested positive for dengue fever, her death was due to other medical complications. The woman, who was first admitted to the Scarborough Regional Hospital then transferred to Trinidad for further treatment, died last Tuesday.

"There was one person who had symptoms, suggestive of dengue fever, but that person also had a lot of medical conditions, example heart, kidney and lung problems, and that person died of causes not related to dengue," Dillon-Remy said.

"Despite medical management, the patient passed away and the cause of death was determined to be cardiopulmonary failure. The patient did not die from dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome."

CEO of the TRHA, George Bell, said additional medical personal are being assigned to assist in reducing the current long wait by members of the public at the accident and emergency unit of the Scarborough hospital. From today a dedicated medial officer, will be assigned to a specific area to deal with suspected cases.

In the interim, fogging exercises continue across Tobago, with villages such as Black Rock, Buccoo, Bethel, Mt. Pleasant, Lowlands, Carnbee, Riseland, Canaan, Bon Accord, Lambeau and Patience to be targeted between yesterday and mid September.