The average Jamaican may have heard about the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) for the first time since information began circulating about it being a possible complication of the zika virus because of the increased incidence seen in countries with zika virus outbreaks.

French Polynesia, Brazil and several other areas of Latin America which had or are currently in a zika outbreak are reporting increased cases of this rare paralysis syndrome. It’s important to make it clear that there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking GBS to zika but the association is strong enough for even the World Health Organization to take notice.

Now that Jamaica has confirmed its first case of zika, the possibility exists that we may have to deal with more and more persons affected by GBS. Let’s point out that this is not a new disease even to Jamaica. Our health sector has seen a few cases of GBS in the past. So what exactly is this GBS? GBS is a disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks the nervous system. When this happens, persons become weak, may have tingling sensations in the legs which can spread to the arms and upper body and may even become almost totally paralysed. This can be life threatening because it can interfere with our ability to breathe, our blood pressure and our heart rate. Simply put, this is a medical emergency and at the onset of any of these symptoms or even suspicion, persons should immediately seek care. Most persons recover fully but there are others who may continue to feel some degree of weakness. Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect any of us regardless of gender or age. Everyone is equally at risk.

As the ministry continues to advise our citizens, your health is your responsibility so there are things that you can do to limit your chances of contracting the zika virus and therefore complications that may arise such as GBS. The first thing to note is that the zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito which essentially lives among us. These mosquitoes live among us because they have found the environment to breed conducive around our homes, schools, churches and business places — all of the places where people gather. The solution therefore sounds simple enough — do not provide the environment for mosquitoes to breed because if you are not bitten, you won’t be infected.

Here’s what you can do: clean up your environment routinely. Destroy mosquito breeding sites by looking for anything around the home, school, churches and business places that may collect water and either cover it, keep it dry or dispose of it. Repair leaking pipes and outdoor faucets; cut the grass short and trim shrubbery; clear roof gutters and eaves to prevent water from settling and fill in and drain any low places in the yard such as areas where there are usually puddles when it rains.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito only needs a small drop of water to flourish and so we should also look for those unusual places where water can settle such as the dish drainer, areas in your washroom and even the toilet for persons who may travel and leave it open for an extended period.

Remember that once a person gets the zika virus, it is spread to others by the bite of the infected mosquito and so even those who may have the virus should protect themselves against mosquito bites in order to protect their families. You can do this by using insect repellent containing DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin; sleeping under a mosquito net; putting mesh on windows and doors and wearing long-sleeved clothing where possible.

For more information visit the Ministry of Health’s website at