The Ministry of Health and Wellness has taken a proactive approach in combating mosquito borne infections at the start of the new academic year, by working in partnership with the Ministry of Education.  With Zika being a primary concern for the health ministry, meetings have been held with officials of the Ministry of Education as well as school administrators  to provide recommendations to reduce the impact of vector-borne diseases on children.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George advised parents to assist the  Ministry’s effort to reduce the impact of  Zika virus in the school environment.

Meantime, the Environmental Health Department has conducted workshops with caretakers, cleaners and maintenance staff  in its quest to reduce the mosquito population throughout the island.

Environmental Health Officer, Charlotte Charles says since many schools serve as the nucleus in most communities, it is necessary to ensure the surroundings are properly maintained and that the ancillary staff are  knowledgeable  about mosquito breeding.

The Ministry of Health urges parents to  keep  children who show signs and symptoms of the Zika virus at home during the symptomatic phase of the disease.

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