7th May, 2019

The Ministry of Health wishes to inform residents and visitors that the last confirmed case of Zika virus in The Bahamas, was October 2016.

Mosquito surveillance and control activities are ongoing in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health Services.

Zika virus is spread primarily by the bite of an infected mosquito. Zika can also be transmitted through sex with an infected partner as well as passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain.

Protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites is the best way to prevent Zika virus infection.

If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, please speak with your physician or health care provider for advice, especially before travelling.

For further information you may contact the National Disease Surveillance Unit at 502-4776, 502-4790, 376-3809 or 376-4705.