{"id":40134,"date":"2016-06-01T09:59:35","date_gmt":"2016-06-01T09:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viconsortium.com\/?p=40134"},"modified":"2016-06-01T09:59:35","modified_gmt":"2016-06-01T09:59:35","slug":"health-watch-three-new-cases-of-zika-hit-st-thomas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wp.viconsortium.com\/?p=40134","title":{"rendered":"Health Watch: Three New Cases Of Zika Hit St. Thomas"},"content":{"rendered":"

ST. CROIX — Department of Health reported three new cases of the Zika virus in the territory this week, with all three cases affecting St. Thomas. The new numbers break a three-week streak<\/a><\/span> without any new cases.<\/p>\n

And Tuesday’s report brings the territory’s total Zika cases to 24: 15 in St. Croix, 8 in St. Thomas and 1 in St. John.\u00a0D.O.H. expressed relief that the new cases did not affect pregnant women.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe increase in Zika cases in the Virgin Islands are very concerning; however, we are relieved that none of the new cases include pregnant women,\u201d said D.O.H. Commissioner Dr. Michelle Davis. \u201cWe the Department of Health have been vigilant in educating the public, providing free testing to individuals exhibiting symptoms as well as free inspections, larvicide treatments and Zika Prevention Kits for pregnant women; 600 Zika kits have been distributed territory wide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Davis also outlined several future plans to support the departments Zika response: “At D.O.H. we will continue to emphasize the importance of protecting oneself and their loved ones from the possible devastating health effects of this virus and encourage our residents to take advantage of the free services offered by the Department of Health.”<\/p>\n

Zika is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes <\/i>species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don\u2019t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected or may be infected and have no symptoms. Zika can also be spread sexually. \u00a0
<\/span><\/p>\n

For pregnant women and their unborn children, the consequences are much more severe. Pregnant women infected with Zika can pass the virus on to their unborn baby, which can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is marked by smaller-than-normal heads and brains. This, in turn, can lead to long-lasting mental disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

The DOH is working diligently to protect USVI\u2019s next generation from these health effects by\u00a0offering the following free services to pregnant women:<\/span><\/p>\n