The oldest continuously operating hotel in the Caribbean is taking increased steps to protect its guests from the mosquito-borne Zika virus. The Crane Resort in Barbados has boosted its existing vector eradication programmes and is actively engaging its guests and employees in the implementation of a new "zero mosquito policy".
The Crane's "Zero Mosquito Policy"
While confirmed cases of ZIKV in Barbados remain extremely low with only three confirmed cases to date, The Crane has instituted a "Zero Mosquito Policy" which encourages guests and employees to report sightings of even one mosquito anywhere on the property to a specially dedicated hotline. The Resort has also proactively increased its weekly mosquito fogging schedule, which has been ongoing for eight years, from 2x weekly to 3x weekly.
In addition to these measures, The Crane already benefits from its location on the South East coast of the island, which sees little rainfall and enjoys constant trade winds which sweep across the property, disrupting the stagnant conditions in which mosquitoes thrive.
What is Zika (ZIKV)?
Zika (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito - the same mosquito that transmits the Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. ZIKV was first detected in the Americas in 2014 and has since spread to several other countries and territories.
ZIKV is a relatively mild and self-limiting illness with common symptoms including mild fever and skin rash, usually accompanied by conjunctivitis (red eyes), headache, joint pain and general feeling of illness that begins 2-7 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. These symptoms typically last 2-7 days.
General Precautions:
While The Crane Resort is committed to making every effort to protect its guests, all visitors to Barbados are advised to follow the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) guidelines for mosquito bite prevention including wearing light coloured long-sleeve shirts and long pants where possible, to minimise exposed skin, and using insect repellents.
For more information on ZIKV and The Crane Resort, contact reservations@thecrane.com.
