The total number of confirmed cases of chikungunya has reached seven as at 22 September 2014.
- Since the last update on 15 September 2014, 10 new cases were placed under investigation during the week of 16- 22 September 2014. The blood samples were sent for testing at Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad on 22 September 2014.
- Of the five samples sent last week, four results were received fromthe Caribbean Public Health Agency CARPHA. Three tested negative, and one positive. The results of a fifth case remain pending.
- The patient who tested positive (16- 22 September) is a resident of George Town, with a travel history to Jamaica. The onset of symptoms took place on 13 September. Therefore the patient is no longer considered infectious as it has been more than a week. The chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes biting infected persons during the first week of illness.
- Total number of cases investigated for chikungunya since 25 June 2014 is 46
- The total resultsreceived thus far are 35. Seven have come back positive, 26 negative and two inconclusive. Results of 10 blood samples sent on 22 September are awaited and one from the period 9 – 15 September.
- Of the seven confirmed cases, six have reported a travel history to countries having an outbreak, (two to Dominican Republic, two to Guyana, two to Jamaica). One had no travel history, an indication that the infection was acquired locally.
“As the onset of symptoms of the locally acquired case was on 11 July we feel that we have been able to contain the outbreak through an integrated approach, that includes the Public Health Department, Mosquito Research and Control Unit, and the community efforts,” said Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kiran Kumar.
Urging the public to take protective measures against mosquito bites during travel abroad but also within the Cayman Islands, he added: “We cannot afford to become complacent. We will continue to have imported cases as we are in the midst of the regional outbreak.”
Distribution of all confirmed cases:George Town- three; Cayman Brac – two; West Bay one and Savannah (Bodden Town) – one.
As at 15 September, 10,972 confirmed/probable cases of chikungunya have been reported from 20 CARPHA Member States and 11 other Caribbean countries/territories. Total suspected cases are 690,309.