BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation’s health officials are reporting that there are still no confirmed cases of the Zika Virus within the country, despite increasing numbers in neighbouring islands.
With weather disturbances dumping large amounts of rainfall over the last couple of days, and more expected in the coming months, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cameron Wilkinson has assured the public that steps are being taken to minimize any possible breeding or spread of the mosquito that carries the virus.
Currently, health officials are undertaking fogging and other necessary exercises.
“…In light of the outbreak in Florida and other Caribbean islands the Ministry of Health through the Environmental Health Department, continue to carry out…premises inspection to ensure that homes are free of mosquito breeding sites. Responding to complaints from persons; collection of mosquito eggs for existent testing; collection of adult mosquitoes at homes and our points of entry…”
During a national broadcast on Wednesday evening (Aug. 24), the CMO (Ag) said that several samples were recently sent overseas for testing, and have all returned negative results.
Wilkinson is calling on persons to use insect repellents, discard of stagnant water or any containers or other items that would hold waters that cannot be covered.
“So persons who have plant containers where water can be collected. Toilets inside the home, they can bread there, bird bath or nay pool water inside or outside of the home…”
He pointed out that the unborn are the most at risk with the virus, due to microcephaly when pregnant women are infected as was reportedly occurring in Brazil.
“This may cause retardation, that is delay in speech, movement and growth,” outlined Wilkinson.
The Acting CMO has urged that persons with signs or symptoms of the virus use condoms while engaging in sexual activities, as the virus has been known to pass from person to person through sexual intercourse.
Wilkinson also urged those persons who would have to travel to an infected country to also be cautious with their sexual activities “for a period of at least six months”.
Dr. Wilkinson reminded that most persons that are infected with the virus don’t often show signs, however those that do, he noted that they would develop rashes, fever and in some cases muscle, joint pain and pain behind the eyes.
According to the CMO (Ag), the symptoms would only last for several days.
“The treatment in general is symptomatic, that is controlled fever, pain relief; and ensure that you stay hydrated,” Wilkinson urged.
Currently there are over 12,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the Caribbean and Latin America region.
