The Ministry of Health has urged anyone travelling to the Caribbean islands affected by Hurricane Irma to take the appropriate health precautions.

Members of the Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Police Service and a Bermuda Hospitals Board staff member have been deployed to the islands to help.

Meanwhile the Department of Health answered the call for medical supplies that will be distributed, many of which were generously donated by Bermuda’s medical supply vendors.

“We remain concerned for our island neighbours to the south and many Bermudians will wish to help,” Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said.

“I applaud our community’s altruism and willingness to assist, and would only remind travellers to affected regions to be careful of their personal health.”

Those travelling to areas with damaged infrastructure are at risk of diarrheal and mosquito-borne diseases due to lack of access to safe drinking water, Cholera transmission and also acute respiratory infections from overcrowded shelters.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Cheryl Peek-Ball added: “Before going, ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date including tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera (based on destination), and typhoid. Protect yourself by drinking safe water, eating well cooked food and protect yourself against insect bites, both day and night”.

The Department of Health issued the following guidelines:

• Ensure drinking water is safe by chlorination or boiling

• Wash hands with soap and water frequently

• Only eat thoroughly cooked food

• Wash fruit and vegetables with bottled or chlorinated water

• Avoid eating raw seafood

• Use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers

• Use mosquito nets for sleeping or sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms

The public can help by donating towards the purchase of supplies and equipment needed.

To donate contact the West Indies Association in Bermuda or make donations to Bermuda Red Cross through BNTB: 20-006-060-663859-200, or call 236-8253. The public can also donate to the Salvation Army online at: sar.my/amappeal