The chief medical officer of Dominica has declared an outbreak of dengue fever on the lush Caribbean island, the Associated Press reports.

Dr. David Johnson says there have been 15 new cases recorded in the past month and nine suspected cases. Johnson says none of the cases were the more severe hemorrhagic form of the illness. No deaths have been reported.

Johnson told reporters Friday that the Dominican government was increasing efforts to control the mosquitoes that transmit the virus.

Dengue has been on the rise throughout the Caribbean this year, with outbreaks in Puerto Rico and the French islands of Matinique and Guadeloupe among other places. Symptoms include high fever, rash, severe headaches and joint pain.

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