As of Friday, 12th of August, 2016, the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services (MoHAHS) has received confirmation of 3 additional cases of Zika from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
To date, there have been a total of 8 cases of Zika reported in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Among the cases reported, all were adults that reside in Providenciales; six (6) were females and two (2) were males; three (3) had recently travelled to areas where cases of Zika were reported; and five (5) are under investigation and their source of transmission has not been determined. Measures have been taken to ensure that these individuals are managed and contained, and all affected persons are recovering.
The Turks and Caicos Government in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO), Airport Authority, Tourist Board, Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, TCI Hospital and other local and regional stakeholders has taken actions to protect our residents and visitors from the threat of mosquito borne diseases including Zika.
These actions include:
• Stakeholder meetings with local and regional partners to ensure strategic use of all available resources to implement Zika virus preparedness and response action steps;
• Increased community clean up campaigns in collaboration with the Red Cross, fogging exercises and premises inspections;
• Expanded surveillance efforts;
• Additional training sessions and situational updates for health professionals and other stakeholders;
• Bill boards with prevention and protection messages will be replace CARPHA bill boards;
• Airing of commercials regarding elimination of mosquito breeding sites and protection from mosquito bites;
• Posters and other materials produced and distributed; and
• Public awareness messages aired on radio stations and other sources of media.
Zika is a viral illness, which is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is found throughout the Americas, including the TCI. Most persons who contract Zika are often not aware that they have the illness as they may not have any symptoms. Symptoms of Zika are relatively mild compared to Dengue and Chikungunya and appear between four to seven days after someone has been bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. In some cases, no fever is present.
The concern with Zika is a growing body of evidence regarding the connection between infection with Zika during pregnancy and possible birth defects. In addition, there has been an association with Zika and rare neurological complications such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
There is no specific medication to treat Zika and there are currently no vaccines to prevent the illness. However, 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; and
• Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve or Ibuprofen unless advised by a doctor.
To protect yourself and your family, the Ministry advises persons in the TCI to take the following precautions:
1. Prevent mosquito breeding in and around your home by keeping your environment clean (check your gutters and remove standing water from old flower vases, tires and other containers that might act as breeding sites such as water drums and barrels).
2. Avoid being bitten by wearing loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants, applying insect repellents, wearing mosquito repellent wrist bands and using mosquito nets.
3. Zika has been proven to be sexually transmitted therefore we recommend condom use.
4. Pregnant women are advised to seek additional information from their health provider at their next scheduled visit. If pregnant and you suspect that you have Zika, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
5. Women and men who have been diagnosed with the Zika virus are advised to seek guidance from their health provider prior to planning a future pregnancy.
For more information, contact the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services on 338-3061 or 338-3058. The Ministry will keep the public informed with any new developments.
