From The Cayman Islands Ministry of Health

The Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, is advising the public that as of Monday 4 April, 2016 there are no reported or confirmed cases of Zika virus in the Cayman Islands.

“Even though the virus continues to spread steadily throughout the region, as at Monday, there are 47 countries reporting active Zika transmission,” said Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez. “The public is being reminded that an abundance of caution is still to be taken in respect to prevention of being bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. That is; reducing or eliminating contact between mosquitoes and people, and control in relation to reducing the breeding of mosquitoes through removal and modification of breeding sites; use of barriers such as repellents containing DEET; use of screens; closing doors and windows and wearing long clothing can always assist in this effort”.

Dr. Williams is also using the opportunity to remind the public that while the Zika Virus is mainly transmitted through Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, other modes of transmission in particular sexual transmission have been documented. Though the numbers are limited at this stage there is strong epidemiological evidence of sexual transmission. “I encourage all men and women returning from where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur in adopting safer sexual practices or consider abstinence for at least four weeks after return. This is especially true for women who are pregnant. As more information becomes available in respect of Zika virus and sexual transmission, I will endeavour to keep the public informed”.

Meanwhile, the head of the Mosquito Research Control Unit (MRCU), Dr. William Petrie confirmed MRCU is continuing its work on reducing the population of Aedes aegypti. “We are encouraging members of the public to remain vigilant in continuing to check their yards twice per week to remove containers and potential breeding sites of the mosquito. While we may not be experiencing any cases of Zika, we do not want to become complacent,” said Dr. Petrie.

For further information contact the Public Health Department on 244-2621 or the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) on 949-2557

Related story:

USVI confirms one new zika case on St Croix

From Caribbean News Now

ST CROIX, USVI — As of Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed one new case of the zika virus on St Croix this week. The total confirmed zika cases in the US Virgin Islands have increased to 13, of which 12 are on St Croix and one on St Thomas.

news2.jpg The Virgin Islands Department of Health continues to test pregnant women without symptoms of zika for free. As of this week, 426 samples have been received from pregnant women, of those 385 have tested negative. Four pregnant women have been confirmed with dengue. No cases of zika have been confirmed in pregnant women.

“Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications from dengue fever, and any pregnant woman experiencing symptoms should see their healthcare provider for evaluation. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, or aspirin-containing drugs until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. In particular, pregnant women who have a fever should be treated with acetaminophen (Paracetamol or Tylenol.) People infected with zika, chikungunya, or dengue virus should be protected from further mosquito exposure during the first few days of illness to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others,” stated Michelle Davis, commissioner nominee.

Mosquito control efforts are also in progress around the homes of pregnant women in the USVI. Pregnant women who have been tested for zika virus are eligible for a free exterior home inspection as part of the mosquito control and zika management program. These inspections and any needed treatments are being provided free-of-charge to eligible homeowners.

Representatives from the CDC and Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) are in the process of contacting homeowners to schedule free home inspections. These inspections do not mean that a positive zika test result has been confirmed.

Pregnant women are reminded that zika prevention kits are still available for free at multiple locations across the USVI. As of this week, 339 kits have been distributed. The kits include educational materials in English and Spanish, EPA-registered insect repellent, permethrin spray repellent for treating clothing, condoms to avoid sexual transmission of zika, a thermometer for women to screen themselves for symptoms, treatment tabs for preventing mosquitoes from breeding in standing water, and a bed net.

For more on this story go to: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-USVI-confirms-one-new-zika-case-on-St-Croix-29910.html

IMAGE: www.cbc.ca