Following consultation with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Ministry of Health is confirming a sixth case of the Zika virus in Trinidad. There are no confirmed cases in Tobago.
The ministry said the patient is a 37-year-old male from Gulf View, La Romaine who presented with fever, rash and joint pains. This is the third person to have contracted the virus in this area. A mother and daughter were confirmed as the first two cases in the area.
Residents who have been complaining about overgrown bushes and clogged drains in the area, also signed a a petition which they sent to their Member of Parliament Attorney General Faris Al Rawi to have the area cleaned.
The ministry said the San Fernando City Corporation, Insect Vector Control Division and the County Medical Officer of Health have been informed and field work has commenced. The Ministry of Health continues to urge citizens to take steps to prevent the infection of themselves and their loved ones.
The Ministry has outlined the following guidelines for citizens to follow.
1. Dispose of all unwanted containers/items in the yard or environs which can collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds.
2. Cover water containers such as barrels, drums or buckets with a mosquito proof covering.
3. Ensure that your drains and guttering allow the free flow of water.
4. Empty and scrub the sides of water vases or use dirt or sand instead to support flowers.
5. Cover extremities when out in the evenings.
6. Use bed nets that are tightly tucked under the mattress for protection at night.
7. Use insect repellant that contains DEET as an active ingredient.