(Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health has warned Jamaicans to take necessary precautions in light of the mosquito-borne Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, that could spread to the island.
The warning comes after meetings at the World Health Assembly now taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, and subsequent to a warning issued by the Pan American Health Organization, the ministry said in a release Tuesday.
Permanent Secretary Dr Kevin Harvey is urging persons to take the necessary precautions to rid their surroundings of places mosquitoes could breed.
Dr Harvey is currently attending the WHA along with Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, Acting Director, Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services, Dr Melody Ennis, and Senior Medical Officer at the May Pen Hospital, Dr Bradley Edwards.
“The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads the Zika virus is generally found in and around places where people inhabit. Persons are urged to search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites by getting rid of old tyres and containers in which water can settle, punching holes in tins before disposing, and covering large drums, barrels and tanks holding water, “ he explained.
