Tourism
sector implementing preventative measures
NASSAU, Bahamas (February 5, 2015) -- As the Zika virus continues
to spread rapidly across the Caribbean, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT)
and local industry partners have put several preventative measures in place and
are working closely together to ensure that visitors are fully aware of the
country’s health status.
To date, there have been no reported cases of the mosquito-borne
virus in any Islands of The Bahamas.
Tourism industry stakeholders recognize the importance of being
proactive; educating the public and potential visitors about the virus and the
proposed measures to help moderate the spread of the virus.
“The Ministry of Tourism is monitoring the situation closely and the
destination is taking proactive measures to reduce the threat of a Zika
outbreak,” said Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu.
The Communications Department of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will
prepare brochures outlining preventative measures as well as symptoms and
treatment.
The Department of Environmental Health has launched an intensified fogging
program in New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands to prevent the
spread of the Zika virus.
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is also putting
measures in place to ensure that visitors are protected.
President of BHTA Stuart Bowe said the
Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association continues to
communicate with the Bahamas Ministry of Health (MOH) and regional partners
such as the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) that are working in
collaboration with Caribbean Tourism Organization, (CTO), and the Caribbean
Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to mitigate the impact of the Zika Virus.
“Efforts will continue to educate our sector
re the Virus and we will update our Members and Industry stakeholders as
Education forums, webinars are made available through our regional partners and
health officials. We commend the Ministry of Health on their efforts to deploy
mitigation efforts such as fogging and encourage our members to participate in
professionally recommended prevention measures described in the varying
educational forums deployed by our regional partners through the BHTA,” Bowe
said.
The Out Island Promotion Board has also been
active in putting in proactive measures to ensure visitors to the various
Islands of The Bahamas are safe.
“Over the past two weeks, The Bahama Out
Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB), has been in constant contact with its members
regarding the Zika Virus. Once information is received from the Bahamas Hotel
and Tourism Association, this information is then shared with BOIPB member
hotels in all of the islands,” said Board Executive Director Kerry Fountain.
Proactive
measures include:
·
Providing
staff and guests with information on ZIKV so that they are aware of the signs
and symptoms, how ZIKV is transmitted and how it can be prevented.
- Having insect
repellant available to visitors.
- Avoiding storing
water in outdoor containers to prevent them from becoming mosquito
breeding sites.
- Covering water
tanks or reservoirs so that mosquitoes do not get in.
- Avoiding the
build-up of garbage, which can act as a breeding site for mosquitoes.
Putting garbage in closed plastic bags and keep it in closed containers.
- Uncovering and
unblocking gutters and drains to release stagnant water.
All travelers are advised to:
- Stay informed about
the ZIKV situation in countries they are travelling to.
- Use insect
repellents on exposed skin. Insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin,
oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or IR3535 are the most effective and safe
when used according to the label. If also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen
first and insect repellent second.
- Where possible,
wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks and shoes to
minimize exposed skin.
- When indoors use
air conditioning and keep the doors and windows closed, unless they are
screened, to keep out mosquitoes. If this is not possible, sleep under
mosquito nets to prevent bites.
What should you do if you feel sick and think
you may have Zika?
· Consult a healthcare
professional if you are feeling ill, especially if you have a fever. If you
have returned home, make sure to tell them about your travel to the Caribbean
· Use acetaminophen or
paracetamol to treat fever and pain.
Get lots of rest and drink plenty of liquids.
· A person infected with
ZIKV will have the virus in their blood for the first week of infection. The
virus can be passed on to other mosquitoes if they bite you while you are
carrying the virus. Therefore, be especially careful to prevent mosquito bites
during the first week to avoid spreading the disease.
Travelers are encouraged to visit Bahamas.com for any updates on
Zika including messages from hoteliers or properties.