Zika Infections on the Decline

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the country is seeing a reduction in the infection rate of the Zika virus.

“We are moving to a point where one can argue that we are going to be seeing less cases over time,” he said, noting that severe cases of the illness are also on the decline.

Dr. Tufton, who was addressing a press briefing on Thursday (October 27) at his New Kingston offices, urged persons to continue to take protective measures against the mosquito-borne illness.

“We want to encourage persons not to become complacent. We continue to prepare and are ready to deal with whatever eventuality that may occur as it relates to the severe cases,” Dr. Tufton said.

Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry, Dr. Simone Spencer, noted that 70 per cent of the population will get some form of Zika, with 20 having symptoms.