The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment advises that there are twenty (20) new laboratory confirmed cases of the Zika virus infection from samples collected between 23rd May and 6th June, here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Included in these cases is one pregnant woman.
These recent cases have increased the overall number of laboratory confirmed cases to a total of twenty-eight (28).
To date, one hundred and eight (108) serum samples have been sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), for ZIKA testing. Fifteen (15) of the most recently confirmed cases have come from Bequia, one (1) each from Lodge Village, Indian Bay and Layou and two (2) of unknown addresses.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has implemented the necessary care and monitoring of the pregnant patient and her unborn baby. It has even further intensified ongoing efforts and will continue to focus surveillance and response activities on addressing the rising number of cases. This was indeed anticipated, given the onset of the rainy season.
The Ministry urges the general public to continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito transmits the Zika virus and lives in and around houses and reproduces in any object containing still water. The incubation period is seven (7) to ten (10) days, and once hatched the insect can live up to six (6) weeks. Prevention requires persons being aware of individual environmental responsibility by turning over drums, screening water tanks, protecting tires, securing septic tanks and generally keeping the environment clean.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, reiterates that it is critical that citizens continue to take all measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and that they work feverishly towards source reduction, which is critical in the fight against Zika.
