One additional case of Zika has been reported, Director of Public Health Dr. Pearl McMillan confirmed yesterday.

This brings to 18 the number of reported cases in The Bahamas -- among the victims are three pregnant women.

"These cases are inclusive of two travel associated and 16 local transmission," McMillan said.

"Of the 18 confirmed cases three are antenatal patients or pregnant women and we have activated a platform to support them intensely throughout the pregnancy according to recommended guidelines.

"Since Hurricane Matthew, the Department of Environmental Health Services has intensified the treatment of standing water and spraying or fogging in order to control emerging mosquito populations.

"There has also been a decrease in the number of reported clinical cases of Zika."

High winds during Hurricane Matthew are believed to have pushed away adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from The Bahamas.

"We interpret this with caution, however, because even though the adult mosquito would have been destroyed during the hurricane, Zika can be transmitted sexually for up to six months post acute illness," McMillan added.

In the 18 reported cases, there is no record of sexually transmitted Zika; all have been associated with mosquito bites, according McMillan.

The ministry, however, strongly advises "the sexually active population to universally use protected sex practices to further limit the spread of Zika".

The first confirmed case of the virus was announced on August 9, 2016.

The Zika virus is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Other modes of transmission have been identified including passing the Zika infection from mother to baby and sexual transmission.

Zika during pregnancy has also been linked to microcephaly in newborns.

When asked about the three pregnant women who have contracted the illness, Dr. Percival McNeil, consultant to the Ministry of Health, said the women are being followed intensely from early on in their pregnancy and throughout their pregnancy.

"Their visits are being more frequently done," McNeil said.

"The recommended guidelines are that they engage the physician early.

"It's usual to do several ultrasound examinations to check on the baby, particularly the head, how it's growing or any other factors in the baby whether it's small, growing normally or whatever and to constantly be in communication with the expected mother and her spouse as to what to expect."

McNeil said all of the women are currently in their early stage of pregnancy.

After the birth of the babies, each baby will be monitored closely within the first year.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection.

Residents are encouraged to continue to take preventative measures including avoiding mosquito bites, eliminating mosquito breeding sites and to prevent sexual transmission, the correct use of condoms.

Sloan Smith, Guardian Staff Reporter

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