As predicted, the number of confirmed cases of Zika in The Bahamas has increased.

Officials said as of this past Monday that figure jumped to 14 – three more than previously reported.

Health officials say the cases were all in New Providence and that the victims sought medical attention after having symptoms of the viral infection.

“We can also tell you that all the patients have been treated and are said to be doing well. According to local health experts, based on the histories received from the cases. It has been determined that there is a mix of travel and local transmission,” Ministry of Health officials reported on the ministry’s website.

In September, a Zika informational session for tourism stakeholders was held at the British Colonial Hilton.

The forum allowed officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Environment Health to give updates on the virus and the measures taken to prevent its spread in the country. 

The Ministry of Health states that they continue to intensely monitor the situation with an active surveillance program within the Department of Public Health.

Last month, Minister of Health Dr. Perry Gomez reported that there were some 83 suspected cases still under investigation by local health officials.

However, due to the risk of the virus being spread sexually, health officials have recommended the use of condoms, with a special warning being given to pregnant women to use protection while having sex or not engage in sex at all during pregnancy.

Last month, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said his ministry has ramped up its marketing machinery to convey the message that The Bahamas is doing all it can to guard against the spread of the virus.