Over the past year there have been concerns expressed about the possibility of infection with the Zika virus. While there were a number of countries in the Caribbean which have reported a high number of cases, the Turks and Caicos Islands have been very fortunate. To date, there were twenty-five cases within the islands with no new cases since the first week of January, 2017.
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services wishes to encourage the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to remain vigilant. Recently there have been frequent rainfall, residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to keep their surrounding free from all standing water even in flower pots. For those who have not yet removed old tires and derelict vehicles we encourage you to do so. Ensure that gutters are clean and free of debris as it can be a breathing site.
The Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood stated: “Reduction of any contact between the mosquito and our people and those visiting us is critical. We encourage you to remove any stagnant water, use mosquito nets where possible and use appropriate repellents.”
Hon. Astwood further stated that “My ministry remains committed to ensuring that residents and visitors alike, continue to enjoy safe surroundings by minimizing and eventually eliminating major threats posed by vector borne and other illnesses.”
The efforts of our public health professionals and the multiple agencies who collaborate with us continue to fog, remove derelict vehicles and waste appliances, place traps along courses that capture larvae and conduct clean up campaigns around the islands. Due to our vigilance there have been no reported new infections and with our efforts maintaining momentum, we expect a continuance of this trend.
Mrs. Aldora Robinson, Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit stated; “We can halt this big threat, but it requires the full cooperation of everyone alike to actively engage in a search and destroy mission of mosquito breeding sites whether big or small, inside our homes or around our homes, workplaces, schools, churches or playgrounds are destroyed. Let’s find them.”
The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services wishes to assure the general public that our teams continue to engage in strategic actions to ensure that there is no recurrence of cases and have been taking time to share key information and build the skills of our communities. The health care mechanisms are robust and responsive and our personnel are well prepared.
