While Chikungunya and Dengue are still sporadically occurring in our community, Zika virus, also a mosquito-borne disease which was first identified in Chile in February of last year, has since spread to Brazil, Columbia and the Caribbean.
Earlier in November 2015, the Caribbean Public Health Agency confirmed five cases of the Zika virus in a territory of the Caribbean Community. No cases of Zika have been detected in the TCI.
The disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bite mostly during the daytime. The same mosquito is also responsible for Dengue and Chikungunya.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus are mild and are: fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes (conjunctivitis).Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika.
If you suspect you have Zika, please see your health care provider!
To relieve fever and pain associated with the virus, it is recommended that persons drink lots of fluids and take pain relievers such as paracetamol. Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided.
In order to protect yourself from mosquito bites use insect repellents on exposed skin, when weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes in your home, sleep under a mosquito bed net. It is even more critical for women who are pregnant to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
A link between mothers who had Zika virus in pregnancy and an increased incidence of microcephaly in infants born to them is currently being investigated. Microcephaly is a condition where the size of an infant’s head is smaller than normal, because of slowed or incomplete brain development.
The Environmental Health Department has enhanced its vector control activities to reduce mosquito breeding sites in addition to stepping up fogging. Members of the public are urged to eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes by keeping your surroundings clean. Cover or turn over containers. Tightly cover drums and rain barrels as well as boats and wading pools. Get rid of or cover old tires. Properly dispose of all garbage and refuse. Clean rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly. Inspect your home and yard weekly.
Call the Environmental Health Department at 649-338-2143 or 649-338-2145 to treat large bodies of stagnant water on or around your property.
The MOHAHS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
