PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) has taken note of a communique from the Anguilla Ministry of Health, Tourism & Sports with respect to the first locally acquired case of the West Nile Virus that has been identified in Anguilla in a 25-year-old resident.
As mentioned in the communique, there has been evidence of the virus circulating among birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
CPS has no reported cases of West Nile Virus and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The department uses this as an opportunity to remind the Sint Maarten community to inspect property for potential mosquito breeding sites, which can transmit other diseases such as Chikungunya, Zika, and Dengue.
The virus is most commonly transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito that has previously fed on infected birds, which serve as the virus's primary carriers in nature.
While many people infected with West Nile virus may not develop symptoms, CPS emphasizes the importance of prevention and awareness to reduce the risk of infection.
In humans, West Nile virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Most individuals who become infected may experience no symptoms at all. However, about 1 in 5 people may develop a mild illness known as West Nile fever, which can include symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms typically appear within a few days to two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
In rare cases, the virus can lead to more serious neurological illness, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Severe symptoms may include high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe complications.
CPS stresses that preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection. Residents are encouraged to use insect repellents containing approved active ingredients, wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, and ensure that doors and windows are properly screened to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
Another key preventive measure is eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of stagnant water found in containers such as buckets, flowerpots, tires, clogged gutters, or water storage containers. Residents are encouraged to check their yards regularly, especially after rainfall, to remove or empty any items that may collect water.
CPS will continue to monitor mosquito activity and provide guidance to the community. Residents who experience symptoms associated with West Nile virus, especially severe headaches, high fever, or neurological symptoms, are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) announces the start of the Inter-Insular Gun Buyback Program, beginning Monday, March 16, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to safely turn in illegal firearms to help make our community safer.

Program Details:

• Dates: March 16 – March 30, 2026 (2 weeks)
• Time: 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily
• Location: Police Station – Opal Building, Cole Bay

Participants may receive an average compensation of up to $500, depending on the type and condition of the firearm surrendered.

Individuals who voluntarily turn in a firearm will not be prosecuted for possession of the weapon when participating in this program.

Together, we can make Sint Maarten safer by reducing the number of illegal guns on our streets

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry (CAFAH) of Parliament will be meeting on March 13, 2026.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of Native Nations SXM will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Presentation by Native Nations on the proposed regulatory model for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Sint Maarten (IS/ 410/2025-2026 dated December 2, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:---  Health authorities have announced the island’s first locally acquired case of West Nile virus after a 25-year-old resident fell ill earlier this month.
The Ministry of Health reported that the individual began showing symptoms on March 7, including fever, headache, vomiting, and right-sided abdominal pain. Laboratory tests conducted on March 10 confirmed the diagnosis via PCR. Officials noted that the patient had no recent travel history, suggesting the patient contracted the virus locally.
The patient is currently hospitalized, receiving supportive care, and is in stable condition.
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species. The virus typically circulates between mosquitoes and birds, which act as its primary hosts. Humans can become infected through mosquito bites, but the virus is not spread from person to person, nor can humans transmit it back to mosquitoes.
While this marks Anguilla’s first confirmed human case, the virus has been detected in birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
Most individuals infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild illness. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe neurological complications, such as brain or nervous system inflammation.
Health officials are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience serious symptoms, including:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Tremors or seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Numbness or loss of consciousness
To prevent further infections, authorities are reminding the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take protective measures against mosquito bites.