Public health officials said twenty new cases of Zika infection have been confirmed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Division of The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment said in a news release Monday in these cases is one pregnant woman, and the recent cases have increased the overall number of laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus to twenty-eight.
Health officials said to date, 108 serum samples have been sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for ZIKA testing. Fifteen (15) of the most recent confirmed cases have come from Bequia, (1) each from Lodge Village, Indian Bay and Layou and two of unknown addresses.
The necessary care and monitoring of the pregnant patient and her unborn baby is in place, health officials said.
The Ministry has further intensified ongoing efforts, and will continue to focus surveillance and response activities on addressing the rising number of cases. The Ministry noted that this development was anticipated, given the onset of the rainy season, and urged the public to continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
