The Ministry of Health (MOH) says it is continuing activities to reduce the mosquito population across the island, amid a continued increase in the number of suspected dengue fever cases since the start of the year.

MOH in a release yesterday said that as of September 8 there were 560 suspected cases, compared to 887 for all of 2011, and 3,202 in 2010 when there was an outbreak.

Director of health promotion and protection, Dr Kevin Harvey, says the MOH is taking the necessary measures to reduce the mosquito population across the island.

These measures include community-based health education and promotion, source reduction - treatment and destruction of breeding sites - and increase in fogging activities islandwide.

"All parishes have been conducting these activities, which will continue into this weekend. I want to point out that this is the regular time for an increase in the cases of dengue but we expect to see a trending down subsequent to our intensified activities," Dr Harvey said.

Symptoms of dengue fever include pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, weakness, fever, and possibly a rash.

Persons who have been infected with more than one of the four types of dengue can develop dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) which comes with bleeding, palpitations, a drop in blood pressure, severe weakness and can lead to shock.

The MOH said if you suspect that you may have DHF, visit your doctor or the nearest health centre immediately.

Persons with symptoms of dengue fever or DHF are also being advised that they should not take aspirin.

Dengue fever is spread when an Aedes aegypti mosquito bites an infected person and then bites others. For more information individuals may call the Ministry of Health or the nearest health centre.