While no mosquito-borne disease warning has been put into effect as a result of the discovery, an expert team has been dispatched to that island.
Health officials said that the kind of mosquito that carries the disease is not prevalent in the Bahamas. However, the public was advised to take certain precautions.
"in the rainy season, such as we are now experiencing, mosquitoes tend to proliferate. The public is asked to discard any containers or other objects, such as old tyres which hold stagnant water and to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothing when out at night and in the early mornings and to apply insect repellents to exposed areas," the Ministry of Health said in a release.
The expert team, put together by the ministries of Health and Energy and Environment. will initiate the necessary preventative measures, tile release said.
The Department of Public, Health has a continuing surveillance programme throughout the Bahamas, including Exuma, and has started a thorough epidemiological investigation.
While malaria is not endemic to the Bahamas, sporadic cases are encountered from time to time. Such cases are usually imported, Health officials said.
The common symptoms of malaria include recurrent bouts of fever', chills, body aches, pains and headaches.
The ministry pointed out that malaria is transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles rnosquito, which feeds from dusk to dawn, but is not prevalent in the Bahamas.
Mosquitoes commonly found in the Bahamas are the Culex and Aedes species which do not transmit malaria.
The female mosquito lays her eggs in the water, usually attached together in "rafts." These eggs usually hatch within 48 hours. From the hatched eggs, come mosquito larvae, also called "wrigglers." They are usually hanging upside down below the water's surface. It develops into pupa, or "tumblers", that float near the water's surface and breathe through two tubes on their back. While in this state, metamorphosis is underway and, after the development is complete, the skin splits and an adult mosquito is born.
This process takes between seven and 10 days and, as the mosquito must spend its four life stages in water and can travel up to 30 miles from where they are hatched, any area where there is stagnant one water is "the perfect breeding ground for the mosquito," said Mr Robinson.
The ministry advised that if persons are experiencing such symptoms they should report immediately to the nearest healthcare providers or clinics.
Tips for discouraging breeding;
— Empty standing water in old tyres, cemetery urns, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where "wrigglers" and "tumblers" live.
— Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading, pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often.
— Drain or fill temporary pools with dirt.
— Keep swimming pools treated and circulating and rain gutters unclogged.
— Use mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
— Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito
populations, such as salt marshes.
— If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
— Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight."
— Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.
Meanwhile, concerns or inquiries may also be referred to Department of Public Health at 242-502-4846 or 242-502-4740 for further information contact the Ministry of Health at 242-502-4700.
By RUPERT MISSICK Jr Chief Reporter
