Barbados

What’s the situation?

Barbados, the most easterly island in the Caribbean with a total population of ~ 277,821 . The average temperature of Barbados ranges from 20 o C to 30 o C. The Ministry of Health monitors the outbreak of chikungunya and dengue in Barbados through a surveillance system, which includes submission of information from polyclinics, as well as the private health care sector.

Confirmed dengue cases in Barbados. Taken from http://www.healthmap.org/dengue/en/

The first case of chikungunya recorded in Barbados was on June 3, 2014 of someone who traveled to the island. As of November 7th, 2014, PAHO reports show that there are 58 confirmed cases and 820 suspected cases of chikungunya on the island (persons infected in Barbados).

Transmission of Chikungunya in Barbados. Taken from http://www.paho.org/.

Mosquito Breeding

Under the Health Services Regulations Cap 44, the Ministry of Health can have householders prosecuted if mosquitoes are found breeding on their premises.

Oct 17th, 2014 – First Case Brought Against Someone wrt Improper Storage Containers/

The Ministry reminds Barbadians to pay particular attention to securely storing or covering domestic water storage containers, such as buckets, barrels and drums. Old tyres and containers that collect water, such as bottles, cans and coconut shells, should be properly discarded. Householders should also ensure that septic tanks and soak-aways are well sealed.

Where to seek medical attention?

Information on how to handle vector control or dengue fever prevention issues may be obtained by calling the Ministry of Health at 467-9366 or the Polyclinics at the following numbers:

Black Rock Polyclinic 438-9624
Maurice Byer Polyclinic 422-5052
Randal Phillips Polyclinic 428-3324
St. Philip Polyclinic 423-4572
Warrens Polyclinic 425-2996
Winston Scott Polyclinic 227-7766

Ministry of Health

Presentations from Barbados: Chikunguya, A Public Health Threat to Barbados

What studies have been done on dengue in the past?