The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services, wishes to inform the general public that three (3) new cases of Zika have been confirmed in TCI. This includes the first confirmed case in Grand Turk and brings the total number of confirmed cases in TCI to fifteen (15), which includes 12 females and 3 males.
The Ministry wishes to further inform the general public that there has been an increase in mosquito activity in the TCI as a result of the recent rains. In response, the Ministry continues to enhance prevention and control measures already in place against diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. These include education, premises inspections, fogging to kill adult mosquitoes and treating potential breeding sites such as swamps to prevent mosquito breeding.
Zika is a viral illness, which is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Most persons with Zika are often not aware that they have the virus as they may not have any symptoms but can spread the virus to others when bitten by a mosquito. This mosquito is found throughout the Americas, including the TCI. It is found in and around our homes, workplaces, and schools. Zika was first identified in the Caribbean region in May 2015, in Brazil, and has subsequently spread throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of the USA.
Symptoms of Zika are similar to other mosquito bourne illnesses such as Dengue and Chikungunya. They appear between four and seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and include skin rash, mild fever, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. The public is advised to seek medical attention at the nearest clinic facility if any of these symptoms are experienced.
The concern with Zika is a growing body of evidence regarding the connection between infection with Zika in pregnancy and microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is smaller than expected, which can be a result of poor development of the brain and other complications. In addition there has been an association with Zika and other neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
There is no specific medication to treat Zika and there are currently no vaccines to prevent it. However, research is ongoing in this area. Treatment is given to minimise the symptoms being experienced as a result of the infection. Most persons recover within five to fourteen days.
Symptoms of Zika can be managed by:
• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration
• Taking medicines, such as acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.
• Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve or Ibroprofen until Dengue can be ruled out.
To protect yourself and your family, the Ministry advises persons in the TCI to take the following precautions:
1. Prevent mosquitoes breeding in and around your home by keeping your environment clean by checking your gutters, removing standing water, emptying old flower vases and tires and other containers which may collect water and might act as breeding sites. It is also essential to cover water drums and barrels.
2. Avoid being bitten by wearing loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants, applying insect repellents to exposed skin and use mosquito nets when sleeping.
3. Use safe household insecticides indoors.
4. Have intact window and door screens in dwellings.
5. Consistent condom use as Zika can be transmitted sexually
The Ministry will keep the public updated on any new developments. The health of our population and visitors is paramount. For more information contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on (649) 338- 2772.
