Total number of ChikV cases in Cayman islands reach 20

The total number of confirmed chikungunya cases reached 20 this week (6 October 2014).

• The distribution of confirmed cases (20) has been: George Town -seven; Cayman Brac three; West Bay five; and Bodden Town -five. Sixteen reported travel history to countries experiencing outbreaks, (two to the Dominican Republic, three to Guyana, ten to Jamaica and one to St Lucia). The number of locally transmitted cases remains at four.
• Of the eight results awaited from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) since last week, six were received. Four of these tested negative for chikungunya. Both positive cases had a travel history to Jamaica, and were residents of Bodden Town. The onset of symptoms took place 25 and 27 September, therefore the patients are no longer considered infectious. (The chikungunya virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes biting infected persons during the first week of illness.)
• Twenty new cases were placed under investigation during the week 30 September to 6 October 2014. Eight had travelled to Jamaica, four to other countries where chikungunya is endemic, and eight reported no travel history.
• Total number of cases investigated for chikungunya since 25 June 2014 is 76.
• The total number of results received thus far is 54. Twenty have come back positive, 32 negative and two inconclusive. Results from 20 blood samples sent on 1-6 October and two previous samples are still awaited.

Noting that some patients among the 20 potential new cases, and others still unknown, may have been infected with the virus, Dr. Kiran Kumar, Medical Officer of Health, pleads with the public to practice protective measures against mosquito bites.

These include using mosquito repellent with DEET on the skin, and wearing long sleeve pants and shirts when outside during times that mosquitoes bite, whether in the Cayman Islands or on travels.

Chikungunya causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Officials urge anyone who may be experiencing these symptoms to immediately see a healthcare provider.

As at 6 October 2014, 13, 006 confirmed/probable cases of chikungunya have been reported from 22 of the 24 CARPHA Member States and 11 other Caribbean countries/territories. The total number of suspected cases is 719,203

Further information can be obtained through www.hsa.ky. Regional updates can be accessed by visiting the CARPHA website on http://carpha.org/What-We-Do/Public-Health-Activities/Chikungunya. In addition United States updates are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/united-states.html.

Cayman Islands health screens film for Mental Health Awareness Week

To celebrate World Mental Health Day, the Health Services Authority invites the public to a free screening of ‘The Soloist’, starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr, on Friday evening 10th October 2014, from 5.00 p.m. to 7.30pm, at the Hibiscus Room. The movie is based on the true story of American musician Nathaniel Ayers and his mental health struggles. It will be followed by panel discussion. Light refreshments will be served.

Cayman Islands: Older Persons’ Month Eastern District Day pick ups

The Department of Children & Family Services advises those seniors who wish to attend the Older Persons’ Eastern District Day taking place at East End Civic Centre on Tuesday, 14 October to meet at the following pick up points for transportation to the event:

KFC customer burnt with oil following complaint over size of chicken

From Caribbean360

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Wednesday October 8, 2014, CMC – A 32-year-old woman is being questioned by police after she allegedly threw a pot of hot oil on a 28-year-old customer on Tuesday.

Police said that Shammy Gonzales argued with the un-identified cashier over the size of the chicken he received in a snack-pack.

The argument was witnessed by several patrons as the customer, 28 year old Shammy Gonzales, loudly expressed his displeasure, saying the piece of chicken he received was too small.

Police said as Gonzales walked out of the restaurant, the female employee retrieved a pot from the kitchen and ran behind him, following him out onto the pavement. She then threw the hot oil, burning him on the back and chest.

Gonzales was taken to Port of Spain General Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

According to C NEWS TV, the KFC employee, a 32 year old woman from Sea Lots, was arrested by officers from the North Eastern Division Task Force shortly after the incident.

Prestige Holdings Limited, which owns the franchise, said that it is cooperating fully with the police.

For more: http://www.caribbean360.com/news/kfc-customer-burnt-with-oil-following-complaint-over-size-of-chicken#ixzz3FZlXmDds

15 Million Caribbean people have reliable Internet Access

From Aruba Daily

More than 15 million people in the Caribbean had reliable Internet access by the end of 2013, representing 35% of the 43 million people living in the region.

Caribbean Internet users represent 0.66% of the world’s total Internet users. The data compiled from a number of sources including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) 2014 Report is illustrated in an infographic created by Caribbean & Co. a digital platform promoting Caribbean lifestyle and luxury brands.

The data is of particular importance for visitors to the region who want to stay connected with work, family or friends, as well as people looking to relocate to the Caribbean but want to make sure that they are still connected. Reliable connectivity is also helpful to Caribbean businesses who wish to expand their products and services globally.

“What this data shows is that the Caribbean has made great strides in making reliable Internet and phone services accessible throughout the region. This not only enables Caribbean people to keep in touch with loved ones overseas, but plays a greater role in facilitating relationships between the businesses in the region and their global partners,” says Ursula Petula Barzey, founder of Caribbean & Co.

The island of Bermuda continues to lead with 95% Internet penetration, followed by St. Kitts and Nevis with 80%, and the Dutch island of Aruba which has 79%. 75% of the population in Barbados have Internet access, while the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico both have 74%. They were followed by the Bahamas with 72%, Anguilla with 65%, Trinidad & Tobago 64%, and Antigua & Barbuda 63%.

Meanwhile, the social networking site Facebook now has 6.7 million users in the Caribbean, representing 15% of the region’s residents. The Dominican Republic recorded the highest number of Facebook users with 2.8 million, however the tiny island of Curacao has the highest penetration of Facebook users with 59% of its 146,000 population.

In the mobile phone market, subscriptions grew to 29 million subscribers in 2013, representing a 42% growth since 2008. No surprise that islands with larger populations like Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico and Jamaica lead with the number of people with mobile phone subscriptions. It should be noted that during this same five-year period of growth for mobile phones, landline subscribers declined by 4% to 4.56 million, representing just 11% penetration in the region.

For more: http://aruba-daily.com/newspaper/15-million-caribbean-people-have-reliable-internet-access/#sthash.rKtJldVu.dpuf

Little Cayman Above Water winner

From Little Cayman Beach & Resort

Congratulations to Lureen for sending in this beautiful photo of a relaxing view at our resort and winning this month’s Above Water Category.

For more: http://www.littlecayman.com/september-2014-above-water-winner/

Pakistan Taliban vow support for IS in Syria and Iraq

From BBC

The Pakistani Taliban has been waging its own insurgency against the Islamabad government

The Pakistani Taliban have expressed their support for Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria and Iraq.

In a statement marking the Muslim festival of Eid, the group appealed to Islamists there to unite against the “enemy” – the US-led alliance.

IS has taken over large parts of Syria and Iraq, but has also been battling al-Qaeda-linked rival militant groups.

The Pakistani Taliban has been waging its own insurgency against the Islamabad government since 1997.

‘Forget rivalries’

Saturday’s statement was issued by the leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Maulana Fazlullah, sent by his spokesman.

Addressing IS in Syria and Iraq, he said: “We are proud of your conquests against the enemies. We are with you in good and bad times.”

“In these troubled days, we call on you to be patient and stay united as your enemies are now united against you. Forget rivalries.”

The statement said the global Muslim community would “stand by you in these tough times and help with what we can”.

The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil in Islamabad says there has been little evidence so far of an agreement between IS and the Pakistani Taliban.

But recently, our correspondent adds, supporters of IS have been spotted in the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar distributing pamphlets praising the group.

For more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29494772