More suspected cases of Zika virus
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health has said that although there have been reports of clustering of suspected Zika virus cases in a few parishes, there appears to have been an expansion to other parishes.
In an advertisement in the press today which was a letter to pharmacists, Dr Melody Ennis, director Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services in the ministry, thanked them for their reports regarding rash cases suspected to be infected with the Zika virus that have presented to their pharmacies.
This allowed the ministry to initiate investigations into these cases, she said.
The pharmacists had initially identified and reported on clustering in Kingston, St Catherine, Westmoreland, and Clarendon.
“However, there appears to be an expansion to other parishes,” she said.
The letter did not identify the additional parishes.
Dr Ennis said the ministry is depending on pharmacists to continue to report any suspected case of the Zika virus infection, especially among pregnant women.
She also noted in the letter that the pregnant women should be encouraged to see their doctor without delay.
“Together we will continue to work in maintaining the health and well-being of our population,” she said.