The Health Ministry has confirmed seven additional cases of the Chikungunya virus.

Director of Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse said the positive results were received today from samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases for Jamaica to 17 - 14 from local transmission, two imported and one still under investigation because of the individual’s travel history.

The Health Ministry says the affected parishes remain St Thomas, St Catherine, St Ann and Kingston and St Andrew.

"I want to emphasis the importance of protecting oneself from mosquito bites including when travelling to countries with Chikungunya transmission," DuCasse said.

She said persons should also get rid of mosquitoes and their breeding sites in and around the home and be even more vigilant when they have guests from affected areas.

Chikungunya is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito which is generally found in and around places where people inhabit.

DuCasse is urging individuals to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, covering their body as much as possible by wearing long sleeved clothing for example and by putting mesh on doors and windows.

For more information contact the Health Ministry’s Emergency Operations Centre at 1-888-663-5683 or 1-888-ONE-LOVE.

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