The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is again urging members of the public to take all preventative measures, to inspect their homes drains and yards and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites indoors and outdoors.
This appeal comes as the Health Ministry says it is on the alert for the Zika Virus, following confirmed cases of the mosquito borne virus in the region.
The symptoms are very similar to Dengue and Chikungunya and include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, conjunctivitis, swelling of the lower limbs, nausea, weakness and rash. These symptoms occur about three to twelve days after being bitten by the infected mosquitoes.
The Ministry of Health says while no case of ZIKA virus has been reported here at this time, increased travel throughout the region and with the vector-the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, present in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we must be vigilant.
Persons are therefore urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing or long pants, using insect repellents, and bed nets while sleeping. Anyone displaying signs and symptoms of Zika virus, especially pregnant women, are urged to seek medical attention.
