KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton on Tuesday said with 5 cases of the Zika virus confirmed so far, more positive results are expected.

Up to Friday, there were four positive cases but another case has been confirmed since.

“We have sent more than 300 samples for testing and are still awaiting results for 145 while we continue surveillance activities,” Dr Tufton said at the first post-Cabinet press briefing since the new Government was formed. “This means that we expect additional positive results”.

Four of the cases identified were in Portmore, St Catherine, and one in Lyssons, St Thomas. 

“A coordinated approach continues in our attempt to minimise the impact of the virus with our vector control activities, surveillance and public awareness strategies” the health minister added.

So far, the Ministry of Health has spent about $200 million on vector control initiatives.

“The islandwide enhanced surveillance system is in place to monitor all fever and rash cases, neurological syndromes and congenital malformations and any other presentations consistent with Zika,” Tufton said.

Anika Richards