Look Out, Mosquitoes: Reggae Tune Urges Jamaicans To Fight Zika Virus

By Maanvi Singh / NPR

Published February 16, 2016 at 11:11 AM PST

This story was published more than 8 years ago.

Jamaica's Ministry of Health released a reggae music video about how people can protect themselves against the Zika virus.

Jamaica has had only one confirmed case of the Zika virus, brought in by a traveler — and the government wants to keep it that way.

Last month, the government advised women to delay plans to become pregnant, since the the virus has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly. And government fliers warn "Be Aware, ZIKA IS HERE" and "ZIKA ALERT!!!"

Now the Jamaican Ministry of Health has come out with a musical public service announcement to make sure there's no chance of an outbreak: "We Nuh Want Zik V."

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The reggae video features Dr. Michael Abrahams — an OB/GYN who does music and stand-up comedy on the side.

Abrahams acknowledges that "Zik V is not in the Caribbean territory" but reiterates, "we nuh want that virus." To keep it away, he encourages residents to get rid of stagnant water, where Zika-transmitting mosquitoes breed. He gives "a special shout-out to pregnant ladies" — encouraging them to use mosquito repellents and citronella candles to ward off bites.

If there were a Grammy for best insect-related PSA, "We Nuh Want Zik V" would be a sure thing.

Editor's Note: This isn't the only great song written about a mosquito. In the 1970s, Nina Simone composed and recorded "Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter."