No sign of new Chikungunya cases

(CNS): Cayman’s continuing efforts to contain the Chikungunya virus as it spreads across the region are still working as there have now been no new cases for more than six weeks. Despite suspected blood samples being sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad on a weekly basis the total number of cases in Cayman remains at five. Public health officials received two test results this week which were both negative and sent a further three for testing. So far 31 samples since Cayman’s first case in June have been tested. Only five cases have been positive, one inconclusive and 22 were negative and just three samples sent Monday are outstanding.

To date, 9,640 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya have been reported in 31 countries across the region.

More information can be obtained through www.hsa.ky and regional updates can be accessed by visiting the CARPHA website on http://carpha.org/What-We-Do/Public-Health-Activities/Chikungunya. In addition United States updates are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention onhttp://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/united-states.html