By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THERE are four new confirmed cases of the chikungunya virus in the country, the Ministry of Health reported yesterday.

The report came less than 10 days after public health officials confirmed that a tourist from the Dominican Republic tested positive for the virus.

The Ministry of Health released a statement yesterday advising the public that case surveillance for the fever is continuing and that four of more than 50 people tested have the chikungunya virus.

The statement said 30 tests came back negative and there are 18 pending results.

“Heightened surveillance activities continue, with the Department of Public Health in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health Services, conducting the required public health and environmental follow-up for each of the suspected cases in order to prevent and control possible spread of chikungunya fever in the Bahamas,” the statement said.

“Persons are advised to adopt prevention measures such as avoiding mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying insect repellents to exposed areas, especially at dusk and dawn. Other measures include ensuring that all containers that may collect water around the home are either emptied or the water is changed frequently.”

Like dengue fever, the chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito bites. The virus causes fever, joint pain, headaches and a rash.

The virus, which is seldom lethal, has affected 17 Caribbean countries, including Haiti and Cuba, where the number of cases now tops 189,000, according to Pan American Health reports.

On July 5, the ministry released a statement that said that a tourist from the Dominican Republic who arrived in the Bahamas on June 29 was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital the next day.

The statement said that subsequent test results, which hospital officials received on July 4, revealed the man was positive for the virus. Health officials said the tourist is still being treated for his illness.

Last month, before there was a confirmed case of the virus on the island, Dr Delon Brennen, chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health told The Tribune that it would be improbable for the Bahamas to escape infections from the fast-spreading virus.

In May, Environmental Health Director Melanie McKenzie told The Tribune particular attention is being paid to the southern islands of the Bahamas where residents from affected countries have been travelling.

Her department has been spraying larvicide in certain areas as a precaution.