Gracie-Ann Harrison, seven-year-old Horizon Park Primary student, who died recently of dengue fever. - Rasbert Turner

Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

The death of a child from what is believed to be dengue fever in a St Catherine community has resulted in an outcry for immediate attention to be given to the mosquito population Dead is seven-year-old Gracie-Ann Harri-son of 60 Old Harbour Road, Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Harrison, who was a grade-two student at the Horizon Park Primary School, died on Sunday after being admitted to hospital. Prior to being hospitalised, she was showing signs of contracting dengue fever

When THE STAR visited the community, residents were visibly upset and showed the news team pools of water believed to be breeding grounds for the insects.

Stagnant water

"Look here, this is the stagnant water that is causing swarm of mosquitoes to bite the child. This is a sad state as there is nowhere for the water to run," Wesley Brown, Harrison's grandfather said.

The Star observed larvae in the pools of water near to the house which Harrison and seven others occupied. Other residents said an immediate eradication programme is needed to control the plague.

"We need help urgently as the mosquito ting a get worse each day and no help, it wicked on di people dem," a neighbour of the deceased said.

Meanwhile, teachers and students at the Horizon Park Primary School were still saddened by the incident.

"She was a caring and loving child that pays attention to her work in class. Some of her classmates are sad while others don't understand," Keneisha Byfield, her former teacher said.

Deputy Principal Doreen Jones said the child attended school regularly until she was admitted at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

"It is taking a toll on the school's population as she was such a nice child," Jones said.

Meanwhile, when The Star contacted the St Catherine Health Department it was revealed that the matter is being probed.