WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour of Suriname has confirmed that a person has died as a result of a chikungunya infection. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking the first reported fatality linked to the mosquito-borne disease during the current outbreak in Suriname.
Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily the Asian tiger mosquito. Authorities have not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding the death. An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause and contributing factors.
Suriname’s government had earlier acknowledged an outbreak of chikungunya after multiple infections were confirmed through laboratory testing. A significant number of cases have been recorded within the Marowijne project area, prompting targeted intervention measures.
In response to the rising number of infections, authorities have announced the start of a bulky waste collection campaign aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites. The initiative will initially focus on affected areas in Marowijne and will later be expanded to other neighborhoods.
Health officials are urging residents not to rely solely on government action, but to take personal responsibility by keeping their surroundings clean and eliminating standing water and other potential mosquito breeding grounds. The government stressed that community participation is essential to containing the spread of chikungunya and preventing further infections.
The situation continues to be closely monitored as public health services intensify surveillance and prevention efforts across the country.
