Dengue Epidemic across the region

Health officials across the region are reporting an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever in the Caribbean.



Statistics from the Pan American Health Organization suggest that more than 16,700 cases of the disease were reported across the Caribbean up June.



According to the BBC Caribbean, health authorities are worried that the mosquito-transmitted disease will reach epidemic levels.



The increase in cases is being attributed to the warm weather and an unusually early rainy season causing a spike in mosquito population.



Experts are concerned that it could get much worse as the season advances.

So far the Dominican Republic has experienced 27 deaths, and its president, Senen Caba, says doctors have reported more than 7,000 cases of the disease.



According to the BBC, Trinidadian health officials have reported more than 400 cases of the disease, with two deaths.