Press Release – Ministry of Health –Â November 21, 2014 – As anticipated and now confirmed through our regional reference laboratory, the Ministry of Health has received confirmation of a positive laboratory result for Chikungunya from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad during the 19th November holiday.
This is the first confirmed case of Chikungunya in Belize. This case is from the Las Flores Community in Belmopan where the Ministry has been conducting active surveillance and vector control activity following rumored suspected cases of Chikungunya. The Ministry continues to collaborate with the municipality and the local community to conduct clean-up campaigns. Scheduled spraying activities and health education sessions continue with the affected community.
The Ministry awaits the results on the three other outstanding samples sent to CARPHA. An update on those results will be shared as they are made available to us.
Chikungunya is a disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The Ministry of Health continues to urge all households and communities to reduce mosquito breeding sites and avoid being bitten.
For more Information contact:
Dr. Micheal Pitts
Director of Health
Ministry of Health
Belmopan
822-2363
Claudette Dakers-Norales
Services Information Officer
Ministry of Health
Belmopan
822-0809
