KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Health Horace Dalley on Wednesday reminded physicians of their obligation under the Public Health Act and Regulations to report any suspected case of a notifiable illness to the Ministry of Health in the manner prescribed by the Act. 

Dalley indicated in a press release that in the case of the Zika virus these notifications are to be made within 24 hours.

“Let me remind private practitioners and laboratories that under the Public Health Act, zika virus infection is a class one notifiable disease, which means it must be reported within 24 hours on suspicion,” said Dalley.

In light of this Dalley also requested that Dr Sandra Williams Phillips provide the Ministry of Health with the information she claims she has regarding Zika virus cases in the format prescribed by the Public Health Act.

He instructed, in the release, that she should include the names of those patients whom she may have seen in her private practice who she believed showed symptoms similar to those of the Zika virus.

“I am extending an invitation to Dr Williams Phillips to meet with me and provide any information she may have on this matter either tomorrow (Thursday, February 4, 2016) at 1:00pm or Friday, February 5, 2016 at 11:00am,” Dalley said.