To date, the TCI has no confirmed cases of Zika virus. Zika virus is a vector bourne viral illness which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito responsible for the spread of Zika is the Aedes mosquito which is found in the Turks and Caicos and throughout the Caribbean region. To date, 35 countries in the Americas have confirmed cases of Zika.
Persons with Zika are often not aware that they have the illness as they may not have any symptoms. The symptoms of Zika are similar to dengue and chikungunya. Symptoms may include;
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache
Infection with Zika usually results in a mild illness and there is no specific medication to treat it. There are currently no vaccines to prevent Zika, however research is ongoing in this area.
The concern with Zika is a growing body of evidence about the connection between infection with Zika in pregnancy and microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is smaller than expected which can be a result of poor development of the brain. Babies born with microcephaly may develop convulsions and suffer physical and learning disabilities as they grow older. In addition there has been an association with Zika and other neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services has undertaken a number of activities to prepare for Zika including the following;
- Public education campaign
- Vector bourne workshops for key stakeholders held in Providenciales and Grand Turk
- Clean up campaigns in collaboration with communities throughout the TCI
- Funding made available by the TCI Government to support Zika preparedness including enhanced vector control activities
- Technical support received from the Pan American Health Organization
- Collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency for technical support and laboratory support for specimen testing
- Participation and in the first Caribbean Mosquito week which is being observed from the 9th – 15th of May
If anyone suspects they have Zika, please visit your health care provider who can submit samples for testing to the National Public Health Laboratory. Additional advice will be given regarding supportive treatment and prevention of further mosquito bites.
Pregnant women are being advised to take special precautions to avoid mosquito bites including sleeping under mosquito nets. Bite can be avoided by taking the following advice;
Apply insect repellents on exposed skin liberally
- When weather permits, wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside
- If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito net
- Help reduce the number of mosquitoes inside and outside your home by:
- Checking around buildings for anything that could hold water, inspect your home and yard weekly
- Turning containers over or cover them
- Getting rid of or cover old tires
- Properly disposing of all garbage/refuse
- Covering boats, children’s pools, water drums and rain barrels etc.
- Cleaning rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly
- Checking screens for holes
- Emptying standing water from containers such as flower pots or buckets
Help us to keep our communities clean and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
For further information please contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Department on 3382772.