3 More Case of Zika Confirmed

There are three new cases of Zika in Belize, bringing the total so far to five. The news came via Ministry of Health press release this evening confirming the presence of the vector-borne disease in Caye Caulker. According to the release, “These cases stem from an investigation of fever and rash cases reported earlier in June. While we continue to aggressively scale up efforts to reduce the mosquito population in the area along with local authorities, we once again ask for cooperation from the community to assist the Ministry and our local partners to clean up areas that may be breeding sites for the mosquitoes.” The Ministry of Health claims that it will be increasing its monitoring efforts with the onset of the rainy season, and will continue to engage with local authorities in Caye Caulker. Of the two cases confirmed prior to these three, one was in Belize City and the other, a pregnant woman, in the Cayo District. The Ministry ends its release by stating that the focus will now be on an education campaign to reduce breeding sites and also to protect pregnant women or women considering pregnancy from the risk associated with contracting Zika.