THE MINISTRY of Health disclosed today that the three latest confirmed cases of the Zika virus have occurred in women who are pregnant. The latest results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) bring the number of confirmed cases to seven.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the three women have been notified of the results and have been counselled.
“Specialised obstetrics care will also be provided to monitor the progress of their pregnancies,” the statement added.
The Ministry advised the public that pregnant women were at risk of getting the Zika virus at any trimester in their pregnancy. However, it explained that the overall link between the Zika virus, babies with small heads and neurological abnormalities, was still under investigation, and therefore, the relationship between the virus and microcephaly had not been established.
“The situation is still evolving and information is being updated regularly. The Ministry of Health will continue to roll out its response based on the local, regional and international experience,” the statement said.
As a proactive response, the Ministry has developed and disseminated guidelines to guide general practitioners, obstetricians and other health care providers in the clinical management of women who have the Zika virus during pregnancy.
According to the statement, the guidelines were developed with the full cooperation and input from the Obstetrics and Paediatrics Departments at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. (BGIS)
