Two Cases Of The Zika Virus Confirmed In St. Lucia

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Apr. 7, (CMC) — Health officials here, have confirmed two cases of the Zika virus.

Results from the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), yesterday, said one male, 25, and a female, 28, both from Castries, tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus.

St. Lucia had, until now, managed to remain Zika virus free. Last month, CARPHA reported that at least 15 countries in the region reported cases of the virus.

CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. James Hospedales, in a video update on the virus in the Caribbean then, said the problem with Zika, which was originally described as a “mild disease” now appears to be causing an increase in two rare health situations.

He said the virus appears to be the main agent for spreading the issue of babies being born with small heads, and the neurological problem called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).