KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Ministry of Health is exploring possible pilot implementation of additional mosquito eradication measures to further restrict Zika virus (Zik V) transmission in Jamaica.

These include introduction of the Wolbachia bacteria and transgenic mosquitoes, which are capable of restricting the breeding patterns of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, and its ability to transmit Zik V and other vector-borne diseases.

This recommendation has been made by the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), which has offered to provide technical support to facilitate studies aimed at determining the appropriate interventions for consideration.

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This was disclosed by the Ministry’s Director of Health Promotion and Protection, Dr Sonia Copeland, during a public forum at the New Kingston Conference Centre, on April 12.

Meanwhile, PAHO’s Technical Advisor for Sustainable Development and Environmental Health, Dr. Taraleen Malcolm, who also spoke at the forum, said the proposal forms part of the organisation’s multi-sectoral approach to coordinating vector control and management.

This, she pointed out, by engaging stakeholders across the region in partnerships.

Dr Malcolm said PAHO has also been preparing interventions to better manage potential health complications, including neurological syndromes and birth defects.

Additionally, she said the organisation has also embarked on a programme of risk communication and public awareness.

“We have to ensure that information is getting out so people can understand how the Zika Virus can impact them and their community, as well as the country,” she stated, adding that PAHO has also developed a regional research agenda to address knowledge gaps.

The Gender and Zika Public Forum was hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to facilitate discussions on the virus’ impact on women’s health, and national development.

Zik V is characterised by a rash outbreak, fever, conjunctivitis, joint and muscle pain, headache, and weakness.

Jamaica is among 34 countries in the Americas with confirmed cases of the virus, of which there have been six such in St Catherine and St Thomas.