Cayman remains clear of chikungunya virus

(CNS): Although public health officials are still sending a few blood samples each week to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for testing no more new cases of chikungunya virus have been recorded. The results for the last batch of four blood samples all tested negative, the department confirmed Wednesday. Three more have been sent as a precaution but Cayman appears to have been successful in keeping the mosquito borne disease, spreading throughout the region, from Cayman’s shores. The total confirmed cases of chikungunya remain at five from 29 cases since 25 June.

With just three test results outstanding officials said 20 cases were negative and only one was inconclusive. Meanwhile around the Caribbean 9,139 cases have been recorded.

Further information can be obtained through www.hsa.ky 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 on http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/united-states.html