PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Health and Labor Cornelius de Weever clarified on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that the Dutch and French side authorities are working closely together to combat the infestation of mosquitoes in order to curb the chikungunya virus. Minister de Weever said that his Ministry is working very closely with the community in the clean-up campaign that is taking place in various districts. Minister de Weever said that people need to cooperate with the clean-up campaign because this virus will impact the economy and eventually everyone will be affected financially.
In responding to the questions, the Minister of Health said that there are medications on both sides of the island to deal with the symptoms which can be considered to be lifelong symptoms. The Minister further explained that there is no anti-viral medication available for the chikungunya virus but there are medications to help manage the pain and fever that comes with the virus. Minister de Weever said so far there have been 65 cases of chikungunya virus reported on the Dutch side. He said that persons that are infected with chikungunya they should remain at home in order to contain the virus. "When someone has chikungunya and a mosquito bites them then that mosquito becomse infected and when that mosquito bites another person the virus spreads. The best thing to do is as soon as you are diagnosed with the virus stay home."
Minister de Weever also called on persons that have information on areas that are infested with mosquitoes to contact the Ministry of Health and Labor so that the inspectors can go to the area and conduct an assessment.
When asked if the Government of St. Maarten has come to the point where they will fine people that are refusing or not adhering to the pleas of government to clean their surroundings, the Minister said at the moment they are working hand in hand with the community to clean up the various districts. "However, I am sure if the need arises to work with the Prosecutor's Office on matters such as this then that possibility will be available to them."