Barbados sends 27 blood samples to be tested for Zika virus

Public urged to take necessary precautions

The Ministry of Health in Barbados is awaiting the results of 27 blood samples  that were sent to the Trinidad based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to be tested for the Zika virus.

Following the confirmation of three cases of the virus earlier this month, the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the disease, and is encouraging members of the public to take the necessary precautions.

“This warning is especially relevant for pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, due to reports of an increased risk of giving birth to babies whose head circumference is less than expected for age and sex,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry of Health’s Environmental Health Department says it is also intensifying its vector control programme through fogging of high risk areas for mosquito breeding, house to house inspections and other community mobilisation activities.