Public health and border control agencies will meet soon to determine a best practice approach to contain the chikungunya virus at ports and airports, according to a public health advisory statement issued this week.
Since the debilitating mosquito-borne virus was first reported in Cayman on June 25, 19 cases have been investigated, Five cases tested positive for the virus, one locally transmitted. Officials confirm suspicious cases are still being routinely tested.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, similar to dengue. Symptoms include fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.
“I am relieved to know that protocols are in place to treat and handle any infected persons,” said the Minister of Health Osbourne Bodden.
“Should any person appear ill, I encourage all front line customer service staff to be vigilant and ask pertinent questions in a diplomatic way,” he added.
Ebola
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar issued an advisory on Ebola, on Aug. 1, following international concern over an ongoing outbreak in three West African countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Officials will discuss preventative and protective public health measures, following a recent global advisory on Ebola, although officials believe the disease is unlikely to prove a threat to the Cayman Islands.
The Ebola disease is a rare but serious viral infection that affects humans and animals such as monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees.
Officials emphasized the importance of public education and preventative measures for both chikungunya and Ebola.
Last week, 20 medical officials and stakeholders met at the Cayman Islands Hospital to discuss issues related to the outbreak of chikungunya in Cayman, and the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa.
“Discussions focused on steps taken since the last meeting – including identifying sources of standing water in communities, informing the public, educating customs and immigrations staff, hospital protocols and procedures, inter-agency communication and other areas,” according to the public health statement.
Chikungunya advice
To ensure the disease is kept contained, Mr. Bodden stressed the importance to the public, of removing anything that might hold standing water from around their properties, as well as wearing protective clothing and mosquito repellent.
To determine if the country you are traveling to has chikungunya or Ebola, contact the Public Health Department at 244-2648. Travelers to these countries are advised to consult a physician if they develop symptoms on return.
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