The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services (MHAHS), wishes to inform the general public that there have been no new cases of Zika Virus infection since 20th September 2016. While other countries in the region have continued to experience daily or weekly confirmations of Zika virus infection, the TCI has not had the same experience. The count remains at a total of 12 confirmed cases. The Ministry also wishes to inform the public that every precautionary measure continues to be taken to enhance prevention and control measures. There is a vigorous action plan in place dealing with households where Zika infection has been confirmed to combat the further spread of Zika to other members of the same household. All cases of Zika infection are on the island of Providenciales with no areas of concentration.
The recently approved funding in the sum of $500k towards the management of Zika in the TCI by the Government, will be utilized to strengthen efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of the Zika virus.
Zika is a viral illness, which is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is found in the TCI. Most persons with Zika are not aware that they have the illness as they may not have any symptoms. Symptoms of Zika are similar to Dengue and Chikungunya and appear between four to seven days after someone has been bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include skin rash, mild fever, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. There is no specific medication to treat Zika and there are currently no vaccines to prevent the illness.
The Environmental Health Department continues to conduct premises inspections, school visits, swamp monitoring, fogging activities and the distribution of mosquito repellents to households. Derelict vehicle removals continues. The department have also received 2400 mosquito larvicide briquettes and purchased an additional 330 gallons of fogging chemicals. The department also purchased 100 in2care traps (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j--fiuLp54). Three temporary vector control officers have been hired; one on the island of North Caicos and two in Grand Turk. Residents are reminded to keep their premises and surroundings clean as waste which is not properly disposed of can collect water and become mosquito breeding sites. The National Epidemiology and Research Unit within the MHAHS hosted three workshops on vector bourne diseases targeted at a variety of stakeholders including health care professionals from the public and private sector and continues to conduct its surveillance activities.
Because of the ability of the Zika virus to affect an unborn baby possibly resulting in microcephaly and other neurological and developmental complications, pregnant women should take special precautions to ensure that they are not bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquito nets are available for all pregnant women and can be collected from all Primary Health Care clinics throughout the TCI. Additional precautions should be taken to prevent mosquito bites when travelling to Zika affected areas and countries. Zika is known to be spread by sexual activity, therefore persons are advised to adopt safer sexual practices e.g. the use of condoms during sexual activity, this includes pregnant women for the duration of their pregnancy. It is important that if you feel sick and think that you may have Zika to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have a rash. If you have travelled, ensure that you tell your health provider about your travel. Use acetaminophen or paracetamol to treat fever and pain, get lots of rest and drink plenty of liquids and avoid the use of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The Zika virus remains in a person’s blood who is infected with Zika for the first week of infection. The virus can be passed on to other mosquitoes if they bite you while you are carrying the virus. It is therefore important for you to be especially careful to prevent mosquito bites during the first week to avoid spreading the disease.
Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services and Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands wishes to advise residents and tourists alike to use approved repellents when outdoors. TCI communities are asked to play their part to take immediate steps to help stop Zika by eliminating all mosquito breeding and potential breeding sites.
The MHAHS continues to provide education to the general public through press releases, public service announcements, posters and media appearances. The Ministry continues to partner with the Ministry of Tourism , Tourist Board, Turks and Caicos Tourist association and the Turks and Caicos Red Cross in the elimination of Zika in our beautiful by nature islands. On Monday 24th October, a Press Conference was also held to update the media and the general public on initiatives being taken in relation Zika.
The MHAHS would like to reassure persons visiting our islands that all measures are being taken to minimize and eliminate the risk of infection. We advise that standard safety precautions be followed.
For more information, contact the Health of Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services on 338 3061.