National Emergency Operation Center Activated to Respond to Chikungunya Outbreak

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health continues to maintain vigilance, through coordinated response and reporting in light of the Chikungunya outbreak impacting Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) has been activated to provide coordination and monitoring support.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health remains the operational lead on all health specific response. A telephone hotline has been put into effect to receive calls from the public who may themselves, family members or friends be experiencing Chik V-like symptoms.  The number to call is 1888-225-5637. The hotlne is NOT an emergency number, rather, it is for monitoring and reporting suspected Chik V cases and identification of mosquito breeding sites. 

Safety Precautions

• Cover all drums, tanks, barrels and buckets that are used to store water

• Get rid of all old tyres, tins, bottles, plastic containers, coconut shells and anything in which rain water settles

• Cover trash containers to keep out rain water

• Punch holes in the bottom of tins before placing them in the garbage

• Keep flower pot saucers dry and avoid over-watering potted plants

• Visit your doctor or nearest Health Centre if you think you might have Chikungunya. Be sure to take suggested or prescribed medication and remain home for 3-5 days or until the symptoms leaves for at least 2 days.

• Empty and scrub flower vases twice weekly.

• Keep house plants in damp soil instead of water.

The Public is being urged to continue to heed precautions for prevention, and take the necessary steps to avoid mosquito breathing areas. An appeal is being made to distributors of paracetamol and insect repellent not to withhold or increase the prices of these items unnecessarily as the demand for the products surge.