Epidemiologist Dorothea Hazel
While the Ebola crisis soars and Montserrat shows no less concern than the rest of the world, it is remembering the current Chikungunya which currently growing in the Caribbean and affecting Montserrat in whatever small circumstances.
Epidemiologist Dorothea Hazel according to a ZJB report is reiterating concerns over the increase in the mosquito population on the island.
Dorothea Hazel is particularly concerned about Salem, which saw an extension cleanup of mosquito breeding sites in March this year.
Miss Hazel reportedly said a lot of attention focused on the Ebola virus, but the community must not overlook the emergency of Chikungunya which emerged in St. Maarten last December. Since then there have been thousands of cases in the Caribbean.
Miss Hazel reminded that the first confirmed case occuredin Montserrat in July this year, but now there has been evidence of complacency among the population.
She raised concern about the Salem area once again, as there are few more confirmed cases of Chikungunya in the Friths area.
The epidemiologist asked that be vigilant and reduce the mosquito breeding sites. She advises that anyone who displays the symptoms of high fever, muscle and joint pains should not to assume it’s just the flu but seek medical attention.
In related information the Hon. Minister of Health Mrs. Delmaude Ryan returned from a health ministers meeting in St. Vincent, where she said they discussed the Chikungunya virus and how the Caribbean should deal with the Aeges egypti mosquito which is responsible for spreading the virus.
