The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

As most of your readers are aware, Zika virus infection can result in abnormal brain and skull development in the developing fetus of women infected early in pregnancy. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) states that in up to 80% of instances, patients with Zika virus infection may be asymptomatic. This means that a paltry 20% of persons with Zika virus infection may manifest some symptomatology. The CDC further states that the potential for Zika to be transmitted sexually through body fluids can exceed three months post infection, but they are uncertain of the exact duration. In other words a patient who has been confirmed to have Zika virus can continue the sexual transmission of Zika virus to  others for an extended period of time after their “symptoms” have disappeared.

This is significant for several reasons: firstly this must mean that the number of potential carriers of Zika virus in this country must exceed the confirmed cases reported by the Ministry of Health. Secondly, it also means that if the Departments of Public Health/Environmental Health were to eradicate every mosquito that transmits the Zika virus, we would still have a huge problem on our hands because of the sexually transmissible route of this disease.

The government has committed to spend up to $2.5 million monthly (pre-election) to address the Zika virus problem.

There is no need to comment further on those remarks. It may be more cost effective and prudent to encourage Bahamians to  consider taking a more proactive and pragmatic approach to addressing this problem, namely being more sexually responsible. Studies indicate that the rates of transmission are greatest from men to women. The use of condoms (or other barrier methods) each time is known to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. Additionally, women who are not currently on any form of contraception should seriously consider speaking with their doctors and starting an appropriate method to prevent pregnancy.

For those who are desirous of having a child in the near future, it may be judicious to consider delaying that desire until there are some clear indications that the risk  of Zika has diminished significantly.

The stresses associated with addressing a preventable deformed pregnancy are far greater than the inconvenience of contraception or delayed gratification.

I hope the suggestions are of some assistance to your readers.

DR I ARCHER

Nassau,

September 14, 2016.