iNews Briefs

ArchiveOct 8, 2014

1 min read

The distribution of confirmed cases (20) has been: George Town -seven; Cayman Brac three; West Bay five; and Bodden Town -five. Sixteen reported travel history to countries experiencing outbreaks, (two to the Dominican Republic, three to Guyana, ten to Jamaica and one to St Lucia). The number of locally transmitted cases remains at four.
Of the eight results awaited from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) since last week, six were received. Four of these tested negative for chikungunya. Both positive cases had a travel history to Jamaica, and were residents of Bodden Town. The onset of symptoms took place 25 and 27 September, therefore the patients are no longer considered infectious. (The chikungunya virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes biting infected persons during the first week of illness.)
Twenty new cases were placed under investigation during the week 30 September to 6 October 2014. Eight had travelled to Jamaica, four to other countries where chikungunya is endemic, and eight reported no travel history.
Total number of cases investigated for chikungunya since 25 June 2014 is 76.
The total number of results received thus far is 54. Twenty have come back positive, 32 negative and two inconclusive. Results from 20 blood samples sent on 1-6 October and two previous samples are still awaited.

Published October 8, 2014