The recent rains that have doused the island have forced the Ministry of Health and Environment to step up its vector control in regards to an outbreak of dengue fever and malaria in the country.

Speaking with The Gleaner after Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, St. Andrew, Health Minister Rudyard Spencer said there have been reports of mosquito infestation since the most recent rains.

"The ministry at this time has activated all systems and we will be stepping up our drive with respect to fogging and so on," Mr. Spencer said.

The minister said too that there have been no more new cases "and we are satisfied that there is containment".

The ministry's surveillance and monitoring system has shown that there were 154 confirmed cases and 975 suspected cases of dengue fever between the months of July and September. This is the highest number of reported cases since 1998.

In the meantime, the ministry confirmed one new case of malaria on October 9.

Mr. Spencer said that, shortly, the public would be given an update on the monitoring and control of the vector-borne diseases.