Bermuda has joined the Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, Government announced today.

The initiative launched yesterday, aimed at promoting the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, avoiding mosquito bites and protecting pregnant women from the Zika virus.

Cases of Zika were first seen in the Caribbean in November 2015.

So far, Bermuda has no confirmed cases, however the rainy season is expected to increase the spread of the virus.

“We encourage our community to reduce mosquito breeding on their properties,” Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment, Jeanne Atherden said.

Armell Thomas, programme manager for Vector Control and Port Health, added: “We have one of the best mosquito programmes in the world.

“We will continue to monitor our programmes and surveillance, but the public must continue to help us.

“Mosquitoes can breed in the smallest amount of water, so people should ensure that any object that can collect water is emptied.”

The awareness week runs until Sunday, organised by the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the Pan American Health Organisation and the Caricom Secretariat.