DHTA Appeals for heightened Stakeholder Awareness and Preventative Action against the Zika Virus1/22/2016 The Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association (DHTA), is appealing to stakeholders within the tourism industry and the general population to educate themselves fully on the Zika (ZIKV) virus and take all preventative actions possible to keep the island free of the disease and to contain it if and when it comes to Dominica.
The Association in an official release, says it has been staying informed on the travel advisories and public health information released by local, regional and international organizations on the Zika virus and therefore asks all its members, particularly hoteliers, to take heed of this critical information and prepare their properties in the best way possible to prevent any possible occurrence of the virus among its employees, guests or community members. DHTA President, Gregor Nassief, says “While there are currently no known cases of the virus in Dominica, we strongly appeal to our members and to all citizens to educate themselves and begin taking precautionary measures from now. The health risks are more severe than Chikungunya and the symptoms more difficult to detect. The spread of the disease, if not aggressively contained, could seriously impact tourism in the Caribbean region and in Dominica”. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States recently issued a travel alert advising enhanced precaution to countries which currently have outbreaks of the virus. The Travel Alert particularly cautions pregnant mothers and discourages their travel to these countries. The DHTA says it also fully supports the Public statement made by Dr. David Johnson, Chief Medical Officer on Friday, 8th January 2016, suggesting that measures be taken to reduce the breeding of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Association further pledges its full support to public health officials in their current and future efforts related to the Zika virus, and encourages persons to contact the Ministry of Health hotline number (767) 448-2151 to receive further information or advice.
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