The Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment will continue intensified vector control activities this week, as efforts continue to contain the spread of the Chikungunya viral disease here.
This follows the announcement last week that there are now fifteen confirmed cases of the chikungunya in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, all on the grenadine island of Bequia.
The announcement was made by the Ministry Health, following the return of samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA, confirmed twelve new cases of the disease.
Mr. De Shong said the Insect Vector Control Unit in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment will continue to intensify vector control activities, including fogging operations on the island of Bequia.
He said professionals in the Ministry will also continue to participate in interactive programmes on radio and conduct educational sessions in communities throughout the country, to build awareness of the threat of the disease and how it can be controlled and prevented.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected aedes aegypti mosquito resulting in fever and severe joint pain.
Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Persons experiencing these signs and symptoms are being advised to contact with their Health Care Provider.
