The Ministry of Health has heightened its fever and rash surveillance system, as part of measures to monitor suspected cases of the Zika Virus (ZikV). ZikV is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is found in and around areas where people live, work and play. “The islandwide enhanced surveillance system is in place to monitor all fever and rash cases, neurological...

Representatives of the island’s 14 local authorities are reporting that extensive works have been undertaken at the community level in preparation for the Zika virus (ZikV). These include drain and gully cleaning, bushing, training, mobilisation of health information officers, distribution of nets to cover water drums, and public education through town hall meetings, distribution of flyers, and town criers. They...

It is now easier for motorists to enter and exit the grounds of the Percy Junor Hospital following improvement works undertaken at a cost of $9.2 million under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP). The two-month project, which was completed towards the end of last year, involved widening and paving of the driveway and parking areas,  relocation of the guardhouse,...

A national clean-up campaign is to get underway next week, as Government steps up its Zika Virus (ZikV) preparations and response. The project is being undertaken by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing through the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. “Each Member of Parliament and Councillor will be given (monetary)...

The Heart Foundation of Jamaica is appealing to parents to be more proactive in engaging children in healthy lifestyles. Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on January 27,  Executive Director  of the Foundation, Deborah Chen, pointed to the danger of allowing children to fall into a pattern of unhealthy eating and physical inactivity. “Parents need to be more aware of...

As Jamaica prepares for the Zika virus (ZikV), Director of Health Promotion and Protection in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sonia Copeland, is urging people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to be particularly vigilant. Dr. Copeland pointed out that persons with NCDs, such as hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and cancers, are at higher risk for complications and...

The Government will be contracting the services of retired public health inspectors to help eradicate mosquito breeding sites across the country. The move comes as preparations for the Zika Virus (ZikV) intensify. Minister of Health, Hon. Horace Dalley, who made the announcement, said inspectors, who have retired over the last two years, will be engaged in the first instance, on...