BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Ministry of Health is awaiting the results of 27 blood samples that were sent to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency to be tested for the Zika virus.

Following the confirmation of three cases of the virus earlier this month, the Ministry of Health says it continues to monitor the disease, and is encouraging members of the public to take the necessary precautions.

“This warning is especially relevant for pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, due to reports of an increased risk of giving birth to babies whose head circumference is less than expected for age and sex,” the ministry said.

Barbadians have been urged to adhere to protective measures which include sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net; wearing tops with long sleeves and long pants, especially during the hours of highest mosquito activity (morning and late afternoon); and using mosquito repellents with DEET applied according to manufacturers’ instructions.

“Members of the public are also strongly advised to take steps to reduce mosquito breeding by removing potential mosquito breeding sites such as discarded containers, coconut shells, and other places where water can be collected.”

The ministry environmental Health Department says it is also intensifying its vector control programme through fogging of high-risk areas for mosquito breeding, house-to- house inspections and other community mobilisation activities.