ANDREW Price, the general manager of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), says contact with the Ministry of Health will provide guidance on a plan of action for the top-flight football competition, as the nation continues to grapple with growing cases of the chikungunya virus.

“We have to take our cue from the Ministry of Health and ask them what’s the best way…whether we need a break or if we can continue. We are going to get in touch with them so we can speak from an educated position because clubs have come forward with their concerns,” he told the Jamaica Observer on Monday.

On Sunday, Rivoli United were unable to honour their Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) home fixture against Sporting Central Academy after several players were downed with confirmed cases of the virus.

“On Saturday morning Rivoli sent in medical certificates for seven of their players who have been diagnosed with chik-V… and a decision was made to postpone that game. I’m also aware that other clubs have players who are suffering from similar symptoms,” Price said.

The strain of the virus currently affecting humans throughout numerous countries in the Caribbean is transmitted by the infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Signs of an infected person usually include fever and flu-like symptoms, skin rash and severe joint pain. In extreme cases, the pain can persist for years.

Medications can be used to reduce symptoms, but no specific cure has been identified. The Ministry has issued statements urging persons to assist in eliminating breeding sites and to try to avoid contact with mosquitoes.

Price, who is the head coach of Boys’ Town FC, blamed chikungunya for leaving his team short-handed in their 0-4 loss to title-holders Montego Bay United at the WesPow Park in St James on Sunday.

“My club only travelled to Montego Bay with 13 players because that’s what we had available from a squad of 30 registered players.

“The Ministry of Health has said it is not an epidemic, but I believe that symptoms within some of the clubs are very far-reaching and severe,” he said.

Keith Sailsman, the manager of Waterhouse FC, claimed he suffered at the hands of the virus recently. He said that there were a few players who fell ill with similar symptoms, but he added that overall the club has escaped any major setback.

“I’m a victim because I was out for two weeks. It hasn’t affected Waterhouse seriously, but we had a few. There was strong action from our medical team and the threat was mostly wiped away. I think we are on top of things at Waterhouse at the moment and we warn players to take steps to prevent it,” Sailsman said.