The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is continuing to implement surveillance and vector control activities to control the spread of the Chikungunya virus.
A release from the Ministry says although there has been a decrease in the number of reported cases since the outbreak in April of this year, the virus remains prevalent here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and also throughout the region.
It said persons who have not yet contracted the disease are still at risk of contracting the virus.
The Ministry says the fight against Chikungunya is also a fight against Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. It said it is therefore, appropriate and necessary for everyone to protect him or herself from mosquito bites and to avoid harbouring conditions which cause mosquitos to breed.
According to the Ministry of Health, to date, 173 Laboratory confirmed cases and 1220 epidemiology-linked cases have been reported.
The Ministry says there have also been reports of 2 possible deaths as a consequence of Chikungunya. It said these cases have, however, not been confirmed by Laboratory tests.
According to the Ministry the deaths both occurred in elderly patients who died at home. The Ministry says it is currently investigating these cases to ascertain the cause of death.
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