Caribbean urged to brace for full impact of Chikungunya

Eight months after the first case of  chikungunya was detected in the region, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning CARICOM countries to be prepared for the full impact of  the mosquito-borne virus.

CARPHA Executive Director, Dr James Hospedales, told the Caribbean Media Corporation that almost all CARICOM countries have now reported cases of  the virus.

To date rhere are more than 9,000 confirmed cases and it’s estimated that there are 600,00 suspected cases most of  which are in bigger countries such as the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

As the virus continues to spread, Hospedales says consultations will be held next month to look at all plans with a view to better educate people.

While noting that Caribbean governments were making a valiant effort in dealing with the virus, he pointed to the increase in dengue fever last year.

He said this is an indication that more preventative measures are needed.

And residents of  Red Ground in St. Catherine are worried that the  Chikungunya could spread to the community.

They say calls to the authorities to assist in getting rid of  mosquito breeding sites in the area have been ignored.

However, the St Catherine Health Department says vector control teams have been deployed to several communities across the parish.

It says residents of  Red Ground have to assist in getting rid of  mosquito breeding sites until the vector team arrives.

Chief  Public Health Inspector Richard Baker says his Department does not have enough manpower to cover the various communities in the parish.

rjrnews