AFTER public health officials indicated that one of the four confirmed cases of the Zika virus is a patient who is a resident of the Fox Hill area, MP Fred Mitchell urged residents to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

“I was informed by public health officials that there is one case diagnosed of a patient infected with the mosquito borne Zika virus in Fox Hill,” Mr Mitchell said in a press release.

“I wish to ask all residents of Fox Hill to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Try to wear long sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent. More importantly try to eliminate all areas where mosquitos can breed like abandoned cars, fridges and car tires. Any stagnant or still water can be a source for the mosquito. The disease is also sexually transmitted.”

Mr Mitchell said a community meeting is to be held at St Paul’s Baptist Church on Wednesday at 6.30 pm with officials from the Public Health Department.

“This is not a time to panic but to exercise the appropriate precautions,” he added.

Last Monday, health officials revealed that New Providence had four confirmed cases of the Zika virus.

Due to the risk of the virus being spread sexually, health officials have recommended the use of condoms, with a special warning being given to pregnant women to use protection while having sex or not engage in sex at all during pregnancy.

The Bahamas reported an initial case of the virus on August 10 in a male who had recently travelled to Jamaica. The man is a resident of Pinewood Gardens, officials have said.

Officials have said that two of the three new cases were reported in women, none of whom are pregnant.

Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez insisted that while the virus has been primarily transmitted as a result of mosquito bites, the increase in sexually transmitted cases of the virus has led officials to encourage use of condoms to guard against an outbreak.

“To prevent sexual transmission the correct use of condoms is recommended every time,” said Dr Gomez last week.

He had the following warning for sexually active persons capable of conceiving children:

“The risk of Zika from sex is of greatest concern for pregnant women who can pass the infection on to the baby. Pregnant couples should use condoms every time they have sex or not have sex during the entire pregnancy.

“Couples who are considering pregnancy should talk to their healthcare provider. Anyone who is not pregnant or trying to get pregnant, who wants to avoid getting or passing Zika during sex, should use condoms every time they have sex.

“Additionally, couples who do not want to get pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider regarding the most effective birth control methods that they can use,” Dr Gomez added.