Update for Zika on Saba

Three more people have tested positive for Zika over the past few weeks. The total number of cases is therefore 5: two likely imported and three infected on Saba (local transmission). At the moment it appears that most infections happened in The Bottom.
No serious complications have emerged so far.

Get tested!
If you experience symptoms that could fit with Zika (fever with joint pain, a rash or an infection of the eye), we encourage you to see one of the doctors at the @Saba healthcare foundation. Confirmed diagnoses are important follow the outbreak.

Protect yourself!
This case of Zika is a strong reminder for everyone, especially pregnant women, to take measures to prevent mosquito bites:
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin. Insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin (also known as icaridin), oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or IR3535 are the most effective and safe when used according to the label. If also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
• Where possible, wear light coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks and shoes to minimize exposed skin.
• When indoors use air conditioning or a fan, if available, and keep the doors and windows closed, unless they are screened, to keep out mosquitoes.
• As the virus can be sexually transmitted by men, partners of pregnant women and women that want to become pregnant should also be very strict in taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Protect your community and neighbours!
Check around your house for possible breeding sites at least once a week; cover, remove, empty or treat any open container. Call the vector control department for more advice or to report increases in mosquito numbers on 4162273 or 4163229.

Public Health Department Saba.