Private clinic’s shocking ‘Chik-V’ reports

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A popular private health centre in Portmore is reporting a large number of suspected cases of the rapidly spreading chikungunya virus in sections of the municipality.

Nurses stationed at the centre’s general practitioner section estimated that at least 200 patients with Chik-V symptoms, including severe joint pain, rashes and high fever, visited the institution in the last week alone.

The centre primarily serves the communities of Independence City, Waterford, Cumberland, West Cumberland, Cedar Grove and Gregory Park.

Portmore is heavily infested by mosquitoes as it is located largely on reclaimed swampland.