The Health Ministry is preparing for an increase in Dengue cases and persons are being urged to seek early testing or treatment.

At a media briefing this morning, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said there were now 813 lab confirmed cases and eight deaths.

He added that a number of health facilities are ready to help detect and manage cases.

Mr Deyalsingh also revealed that CARPHA will now begin testing for the Oropouche virus, which is currently spreading in Brazil.

The Oropouche virus is so named after it was first isolated and documented in T&T in 1955.

Mr Deyalsingh also again explained why spraying for mosquitoes cannot be overdone

He says it is important for persons to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes.

441 notices have so far been issued by Public Health Inspectors to homeowners with regard to their properties.