Barbados health authorities confirm a case of West Nile virus here but say there is no need for alarm.
The confirmation follows a notice about the case that has been posted on the website of the World Health Organization, WHO.
The notice states that on September 13th, the International Health Regulations National Focal Point for Barbados notified the WHO of a confirmed human infection with West Nile Virus in a child from Bagatelle, St. Thomas who is under the age of 15 years old.
The WHO statement notes that West Nile Virus is generally carried by migratory birds and transmitted locally by mosquitoes to humans, horses and other mammals.
It adds that in humans the virus generally causes mild disease, but there can be neurological symptoms and, in some cases, it can be fatal.
The WHO states that this is the first human case of West Nile Virus infection detected in Barbados and that no infections have been previously documented in birds or horses in this country, making this case both unusual and unexpected.
However, it points out that West Nile virus has spread throughout the Caribbean, likely via infected migratory birds and that it is possible that the virus is circulating in birds and horses undetected.
The WHO states that the overall impact on public health in Barbados remains limited at this stage, as there is currently only one recorded human case and appropriate public health response measures have been implemented.
The WHO says it considers the current risk from West Nile Virus here as low but will continue to evaluate the epidemiological situation in Barbados.
Meantime, Barbados’ acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Arthur Phillips, speaking to Starcom Network News, also confirmed the development.
He sees no need for concern.
Barbados’ acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Arthur Phillips.
