(L-R): Mr. Andrew Thompson, Assistant Director of Department of Environmental Health Services, Dr. Pearl McMillan, Director of Public Health, Mario Newry, Host of A Familiar Walk, and Dr. Percival McNeil, Consultant to the Ministry of Health

“Health and vector control professionals have a one on one with A Familiar Walk”

As the Zika virus continues its clear and present threat to South America, and as the U.S. government considers a two billion dollar investment to thwart the virus’ effects, A Familiar Walk looks at the steps being taken by government and private entities in the Bahamas to safeguard the population.

A Familiar Walk, “Steps to minimize the impact of the Zika Virus in the Bahamas,” will air Thursday, April 21 at 8:30 p.m. and then rebroadcast on Sunday,  April 24 at 2:00 p.m. on ZNS TV-13.

It has been suggested that the Bahamas is "well ahead of the Zika Virus" as it relates to the country’s offensive approach. During the show Mr. Andrew Thompson, Assistant Director of Department of Environmental Health Services,  Dr. Pearl McMillan, Director of Public Health, and Dr. Percival McNeil, Consultant to the Ministry of Health, tackled topics related to the Zika virus and the prevention of its spread through the Bahamas.

Dr. McMillan explained that the Ministry of Health has been carefully monitoring the Zika Virus across the region and keeping close contact with the organizations who are on the front line of monitoring and prevention.

Mr. Newry and his guests discussed recent evidence that the Zika virus can cause paralysis and can be transmitted sexually by an infected person.

“When it comes to the Zika Virus, there are more unknowns than knowns,” said Mr. Newry. “This is the reason for the show. Education and awareness has never been more important.”

During the show, Dr. McNeil sought to explain the mysterious relationship between the Zika infection and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Brazil has seen thousands of babies recently born with debilitating birth defects, including microcephaly, which causes babies to form a small head.

Mr. Thompson spoke to the targeted activities directed at mosquito control. He insisted that the Bahamas has been ahead of its fogging programme since the news of Zika became mainstream.

Mr. Newry acknowledged and thanked regional partners such as  PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency which have been working together to protect lives of the people in this region.

By Chester Robards