Zika virus makes its way to Jamaica

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Jamaica Ministry of Health has confirmed the Caribbean country’s first case of the Zika virus.

A ministry statement released on Saturday says a 4-year-old child has recovered after contracting Zika.

It adds that authorities have stepped up prevention and detection efforts in the Portmore, St. Catherine area where the child lives.

Caribbean Public Health Agency lab tests for the virus came back positive on Friday afternoon.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: IOC sends medical advice to Olympic committees on Zika virus

Authorities are investigating the case in hopes of determining the source of infection.

The child began showing symptoms on Jan. 17 and had earlier travelled to Texas.

Jamaica’s Minister of Health will provide a full update at a news briefing on Monday.

Pregnant women and others on the island are being urged to take precautions to avoid the mosquito that transmits the disease.

WATCH: Full coverage of the Zika virus

2:34 Separating fact from fiction when it comes to Zika virus

• Separating fact from fiction when it comes to Zika virus
• Reassuring words from Canada’s top doctors about Zika virus threat
• Chief Public Health Officer stresses Zika Virus threat to Canada is low, would like to avoid fear-mongering
• What resources is Canada devoting to finding a Zika Virus vaccine?
• Chief Public Health Officer lays out list of recommendations for Canadians in dealing with Zika virus
• Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer offers concise outline of Zika virus pathology
• Travel advice for those worried about Zika virus
• What Canadian travellers need to know about Zika virus
• Canadian Blood Services places ban on blood from Zika prone areas
• Zika virus spreads rapidly throughout Americas
• Answering your questions about the Zika virus

Previous Video

Next Video