(ZIZ News) – The Ministry of Health has confirmed three cases of zika in St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to a statement from the Ministry three serum samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency for testing have returned positive for zika.
These results are the first confirmed cases for the Federation.
The Ministry said the samples were sent for testing in August but due to an immense amount of samples sent from throughout the region the results were only returned on Thursday September 15.
The Ministry has notified all three individuals of their results.
The Health Ministry is urging the general public not to panic and zika is a mild illness and 80 percent of persons affect don’t show any symptoms.
These can include a fever, rash, and body aches and pains.
The statement urges everyone to take precautions against contracting the disease by wearing long sleeved clothing when outdoors, using mosquito repellent and, since it is also transmitted sexually, using a condom at all times.
The Health Department also plans to take steps to eradicate the virus carrying mosquito by increasing enforcement and education; fogging; ova-trapping; and eradication.
Residents are also urged to remove any containers that may catch water and provide a breeding ground for the mosquito.