Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Joseph Isaac, has called for the formation of a ‘War on Zika Task Force’ to combat the dreaded Zika Virus now present in Dominica.
He made that call at a recent press conference of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP).
To-date a pregnant woman is among four new cases of the feared Zika virus on the island.
The four new cases bring the number of discovered cases to a total of five since the virus was first confirmed on the island on March 15.
“I am urging the government to set up a war on Zika tripartite task force made up of several people with different backgrounds and different political persuasions,” he said. “I am also asking that this tripartite committee should include a member of the opposition to ensure that we have a balance.”
He said NGO representatives and members of the government should also be included in that task force.
He said the virus “could be a potential risk for Dominica in regards to tourism and the health of the Dominican public.”
According to Isaac, the task force will steer Dominica in the right direction towards the adoption of an aggressive approach to eliminate the Zika virus in the country and at the same time, protect the country’s tourism product.
The virus is predominantly transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito but may also be transmitted via blood transfusion, from mother to unborn baby and also through sexual intercourse. It takes 3 to 12 days from exposure to the onset of signs and symptoms.
As many as three out of four infected persons may not have any signs and symptoms. Those who feel ill present with fever, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes and sometimes red eyes. These symptoms are very similar to those of dengue or chikungunya.
While the majority of cases of Zika virus infections will resolve without difficulty in 2 to 7 days, some patients might go on to develop a problem with the nervous system called Guillain-Barre Syndrome. These patients present with worsening weakness in the body and require hospitalization. If the muscles of respiration are affected they would need management in the Intensive Care Unit.
The other major complication being reported by Brazil and French Polynesia is babies being born with poor brain development identified by their smaller than normal heads called microcephaly.
Microcephaly is a rare condition where a baby’s head circumference is less than expected based on the average for their age and sex.
At present, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available. Thus, the best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites and persons who have fever, rash and conjunctivitis are advised to report to the nearest health centre or their personal health care provider.
An intense and sustained campaign aimed at reducing the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito is required to minimize the spread of Zika virus infection in Dominica.
The Ministry of Health has intensified its response to Zika in the following areas;
· Integrated Vector Control Management— Community surveillance, source reduction, chemical management,
· Strengthening of Port Health Programme, Epidemiological Surveillance and Health Care Services
· Public Education/ Awareness
However, The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to inspect their homes and yards weekly and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites indoors and outdoors by keeping water drums and barrels tightly covered and throwing out stagnant water from flower vases, old tyres, and other containers that might act as breeding sites.
The best method of protection from this disease still remains avoiding mosquito bites. Therefore, persons must take all necessary actions to minimize the risk of being bitten by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This is particularly important for women who may be in the first trimester (first three months) of pregnancy. This includes:
• wearing of long sleeve shirts and long pants and
• the use of mosquito nets
• the use of mosquito repellants
• ‘Mosquito proofing’ homes and other buildings by installation of mosquito screens
The Ministry of Health and Environment has said that it will continue to keep the public informed about Zika and urges everyone to join in the fight against the spread of Zika Virus Infection in Dominica.
lmaoooo. A war on zika task force? boy all you man is one set of jokers!. All of all you politicians! a war on zika task force..in dominica..with dominicans. go and form your task force pardner.
those mosquitoes will sing Asa Banton for all you. – “we get a search from the task force..”
Talk talk talk…if you guys help the government like y’all did during Erica…Zika will have a hell of a party in Dominica..
Well ,you know ,is now all you fini bat.since the govt. will never implement an idea put out by the opposition . I only hope that mr.skerro finish making children because mosquito are color blind.
The genetically modified mosquitoes work. Please consider using them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2gQ_Y30EaM&ebc=ANyPxKqgqpPCCSn20yRioFlYy5H2jsdr42unD9TOc0JSFgV13FLrfbpie7PPPuPAk-NOqAwZHWYoHz6fFO-aR1llJ3e9dzy8nA
I Did not know you much before Mr Isaac,but I have been respecting you since 2014.You seem to be level headed,a team player,bright guy, and a loyal patriot….It’s pellucidly clear that you all guys are brighter and more deserving to lead this poor and badly broken country than the gang of clowns, that steering the ship of state…You mentioned tourism, but fell short of stating that it is under this gang a comatosed sector..The thing is we are hearing the evil propagandists of this regime saying we are doing well,but basic things to do with health are absent.Let’s hope that they read your contribution,and at least adopt it for the sake of the population!!!
Boy stop looking for unwarranted attention! You are destroying the nation more than you are helping to solve the problem. I am overseas and according to your press statement, the island is facing an impending catastrophe from the virus. What you are saying is being carried world wide so do not exaggerate you are only destroying our nation. . Let the professionals and health authorities address the issue.
You accomplished lazy,begging and struggling idiot,you must stop your garbage or go dump it in international waters…Isaac is spot on,but those GREEDIES,will not listen, because they just don’ care…I guess the only time you come to Dominica is when Skerrit import you like a commodity to vote for his corrupt DLP,and give you a little pocket change.Once again Shut the Hell Up…Your lazy soul!!!!
I think the initial comment is correct. an impending catastrophe? really? a tidal wave killing half of dominica was a catastrophe erica was one also. Zika doesnt even last more than 3 weeks and at most you get a rash which can be treated. Dengue and Chikingunya are worse than Zika apart from babies with small head. Isaac over talking like he want to go look for all mosquitoes like is drugs or financial corruption. Isaac is the same man that said we need to put an olympic sized swimming pool in the High Street area so Olympians can “practice” (Olympians train not practice) swimming for olympics. another of his so called bright ideas. or a compost factory, where everyone can bring the bush they cut in their yard to make compost. he has ideas, but the ones he has voiced are not all bright.
yeah and wait to collect your free ticket to come down and vote next election.
Skerrit dont care, he, his children and his ministers can always fly somewhere else to get treatment,
But what nonsense uwp fellas keep talking there a ministry of health and environmental officers on island.why does the government have to form a “special task force?” And they always calling for of the uwp senators to be on a government board.he says to create a balance.what is he talking about?
he is talking about things your brain is unable to process.