Zika Virus is Now in Jamaica Says Senator Marlene Malahoo-Forte
Jamaica was hit hard by an outbreak of Chikungunya in 2014.
The epidemic proved to be not only crippling to those who were afflicted with the dreaded Chikungunya fever but also reportedly resulted in a $6 billion dollar loss to the economy.
Now there are reports that another mosquito-borne virus with similar characteristics to Chikungunya has entered the island.
According to Nationwide News, during an emergency media briefing at the JLP’s Belmont Road Headquarters this afternoon (October 1), Opposition Spokesperson on Health, Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte said she’s had reliable reports that cases of Zik-V have been confirmed in Jamaica.
Zika virus is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that spread Chikungunya and causes a disease known as Zika fever in humans.
Symptoms of Zika virus disease (Zika) include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eye though the illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.
Senator Malahoo Forte also voiced her concerns over the extent of the hand, foot and mouth disease which is currently affecting sections of the island.
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