Bajans warned to be on high alert for mosquitoes & sandflies

Barbadians are being warned to be on high alert for mosquitoes and sandflies as they go about their business and visit people during this Christmas season. The warning from Director for Biosecurity Studies at the University of the West Indies Dr. Kirk Douglas. He says the clinical manifestations of the Oroupouche virus are similar to that of Zika and can have negative impacts on unborn children and very young children. To date, two cases of the virus have been detected in Barbados. Dr. Douglas was speaking as a guest on Mornin' Barbados. He adds while the virus is not new, it was discovered in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, and is considered a re-emerging infectious disease. Some of the symptoms include fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, vomiting and abdominal pain. Dr. Douglas says as a result the level of surveillance in Barbados and the Caribbean have increased. He says those who may become infected will not be severely impacted. Subscribe to CBC Barbados https://www.youtube.com/@cbcbarbados246 Connect with the CBC Barbados Website: https://www.cbc.bb/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBCBARBADOS/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbcbarbados246 X: https://twitter.com/CBCBARBADOS #CBCTV8 #CBCNews #ConnectingBarbadianCommunities