The Government will shortly roll out an integrated vector-control programme to prevent the zika virus from reaching the shores of Jamaica, and to step up a public-education campaign on the disease.

The virus caused a recent health scare in the South American country of Brazil. It is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its symptoms include severe fever, joint and muscle pains, headaches, rashes and conjunctivitis. Symptoms usually appear within three to 12 days following a bite.

"We are going to come very shortly with an integrated clean-up programme, (including) drain cleaning, but the citizens of the country must also take responsibility for their health, even as Government must lead the process," emphasised Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson, in an interview with JIS News.

The minister, said already, his ministry has started a public-education campaign, encouraging persons to protect themselves if the virus should come to Jamaica. He stressed that having surroundings where people gather remain clean, is key to preventing all mosquito-borne diseases.

"It is the same Aedes aegypti mosquito that is responsible for that zika virus, and unless we clean up around our homes, place of worship, and workplaces, the country will be vulnerable to the disease," Dr Ferguson pointed out.

The minister said he met recently with the director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Carissa Etienne, and Jamaica will be getting support from that group with its vector-control programme.

He said, in the past, PAHO has helped Jamaica in other health- emergency drives, and, in this, it will be giving technical support.

In the meantime, Dr Ferguson wants persons to be vigilant by destroying mosquito-breeding sites by filling old tyres with dirt or getting rid of them and any other container in which water can settle."

He also appealed to persons to punch holes in tins before disposing of them; change water in vases and cleaning them regularly to destroy mosquito eggs; and to covering large drums, barrels and tanks holding water.