Community leader warns against Zika virus
There have been no reported cases of the Zika virus in the Virgin Islands, however, there was one case reported in the Dominican Republic in June of this year.
“I am always called a controversial person so don’t bother with mentioning my name, focus on the issues and that there is a crazy mosquito virus/disease worse than Chikungunya that’s banging at our doors, its banging and the doors can fall. Don’t wait for last minute like with the Gunya, start now and strong not a press release here and there, big time community meetings and, like elections, go house to house,” said one community leader.
The Zika Virus is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, along with other species of the genus aedes, and has spread from Africa to the Americas. It was first identified in Brazil in April of 2015. And with a reported case of the virus as close as the Dominican Republic this month, there is a concern for the VI.
During the elections campaign this was frequently alluded to by the Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton but the issue had played a lower key in the news media and the listening populace.
Hon Skelton had stressed on the need for residents to practice precautionary measures against the disease but was careful to note that no case has been reported in the VI.
Precautionary measures
The call to deal with a prepared mode was made via a recent press release of the BVIHSA in which Medical Officer Dr Ronald Georges alluded to the symptoms of infection. “The Zika virus include mild headaches, skin rash, tiredness, red eyes, and joint muscle and back pains. He said there is no preventative treatment or vaccines for any of the mosquito borne illnesses, other than rest, hydration, and anti-inflammatory medications.”
Additionally, according to the release, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr Carnel Smith stated that even though the territory has only been experiencing intermittent rain fall, during the dry spell, mosquitoes would have deposited their eggs in dry containers which would become breeding sites when flooded with water.
Mr Smith said, “We are asking the community for their assistance in reducing our risk of future outbreaks of Dengue, Chikungunya and possibly the Zika virus, by remaining vigilant by inspecting your premises for mosquito breeding sites.”
Persons, who need assistance in eliminating mosquito sources from around their premises, should contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110.
“The Public is reminded that general clean-up should include the removal of all water holding receptacles, such as old tires, discarded buckets, pots or pet feeding dishes, abandoned and derelict boats and vehicles or anything that can hold water. Uncovered water tanks, wells, buckets and boats, need to be properly covered as these are potential breeding sites,” according to the release.
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