Cayman remains Zika free as suspect cases negative

Aedes aegypti mosquito

(CNS): The test results of threes suspected Zika virus cases sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) were negative, the Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez has confirmed, while a fourth was inconclusive because the test fell outside the timeline testing criteria. The test results were also all negative for dengue and chikungunya. As the Zika virus continues to be one of the region’s most pressing health concerns, Cayman has so far remain free of the virus but health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant.

“While the results have yielded negative, with the regional outbreak in mind, we should not be complacent and medical personnel should remain on high alert to look for any imported cases,” Dr Williams-Rodriguez said.

The four suspected cases last month involved three residents and one visitor, all of whom had symptoms consistent with Zika. Three of the four people from whom samples were taken had travelled to countries experiencing a Zika outbreak but the fourth had no travel history.

Dr Williams-Rodriguez reminded people travelling to countries where there are reports of Zika that while the Zika virus is mainly transmitted through Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, other modes of transmission, in particular, sexual transmission, have been documented.

“All men returning from where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur should adopt safer sexual practices or consider abstinence for at least four weeks after return. Persons who develop Zika virus symptoms within two weeks of having returned from countries with Zika virus cases are advised to consult their physician and inform of their travel history,” he added.

As of 29 June, 61 countries have recorded outbreaks of Zika but Cayman continues to try to keep the virus at bay. MRCU Director Dr William Petrie said that while his team is doing what it can to keep the numbers of Aedes aegypti down, the people can help control the population locally by clearing yards of containers that hold water, as these are favourite mosquito breeding sites.

For more information, call the Public Health Department on 244-2648 or 244-2621, or Faith Hospital on 948-2243.

For advice on mosquito control measures contact the MRCU on 949-2557 or DEH on 949-6696 in Grand Cayman, or 948-2321 in Cayman Brac.