Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has denied claims that there is a shortage of chemicals to carry out mosquito spraying exercises.

The allegation was raised yesterday by Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram, who issued a statement about spraying at the Waterloo Secondary School.

Mr Deyalsingh told a media briefing today that there are enough chemicals in stock and more on the way.

Also at the briefing today, Dr Osafo Fraser of the Insect Vector Control Division stated that 84% of schools have already been sprayed, with efforts continuing at the rest.

He also gave figures regarding other work done by the Division.

Meanwhile, according to Epidemiologist Dr Avery Hinds as at September 12th 2024, there were 1,387 confirmed cases and 16 confirmed deaths.

He also clarified that these confirmed cases are not active, but would have been confirmed between January and now.

As for the age groups most affected, Dr Hinds says 57% of all the confirmed cases are in persons below the age of 20.

Location-wise, the majority of cases have been confirmed in Victoria, Caroni, St George East and St Patrick, though the virus has also been detected in other counties.