Latest update May 12th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 06, 2014 News
– as more suspected cases of Chikungunya virus surface
“We are not alarmed, we are prepared,” said Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, of the infiltration of the Chikungunya
virus in sections of Berbice.
The virus was first detected in the Canje area but has reportedly since spread to New Amsterdam and Port Mourant, amounting to 14 confirmed cases in Region Six.
There are, however, just over 80 suspected cases from which samples were taken to be sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Laboratory in Trinidad in order for them to be confirmed. Guyana currently does not have the capacity to detect the Chikungunya virus which has its origin in Africa and Asia and, as of recent, has been targeting the Caribbean and South America Regions. CARPHA, according to Dr Ramsaran, has been working closely with the Health Ministry.
In recent days samples were taken from an increasing number of persons suffering from flu-like symptoms, complimented by fever and joint and muscle pains, which are characteristic of the Chikungunya virus. According to Dr Ramsaran, the Ministry has been utilizing a case definition system to detect the suspected cases in the catchment areas.
He noted that while it is expected that the virus will spread to other parts of the country given the fact that people are continually travelling in and out of the affected Region, the ideal situation would be to ensure that it is contained.
Moreover, he disclosed that the Ministry is appealing to persons to not venture into the affected areas, for the time being, in order to reduce the spread of the virus. This tactic has been recommended, the Health Minister said, in light of the fact that those infected have been found to be ‘common contacts’ which is in fact a classical way that vector borne diseases are spread.
The Chikungunya virus, like dengue fever, is spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which is known to breed in relatively fresh water. As a result, intensified vector control activities have long been seen as the strategic means of tackling the mosquito vector.
According to Dr Ramsaran, since learning of the threat of the virus in the Caribbean during the latter part of last year, the Ministry immediately stepped up its vector control activities, particularly in sections of the city. Those efforts, according to him, were spearheaded by Vector Control Director, Dr Reyaud Rahman, who continues to be the principal official behind the immense vector control activities being undertaken in Berbice.
According to Dr Ramsaran, when the first two cases of the virus were detected in the Canje
area, moves were immediately made to recalibrate ongoing vector control activities which saw Region Five collaborating with Region Six to engage a forceful reaction. However, by the time it was recognized that the virus was beginning to spread, a decision was made to have the team from the Ministry’s Vector Control Unit travel to Berbice to manage the situation, a task that is being well undertaken, according to Dr Ramsaran. He said that the vector control team of about 10 officers, led by Dr Rahman, is currently in Berbice “taking charge of the situation.”
In fact, he disclosed that Dr Rahman has even been personally visiting the infected individuals at their homes to examine their condition and determine their respective needs.
These efforts, the Health Minister said, are being done in collaboration with Regional Officials who have been superb in their support.
A number of Berbice residents have in fact been complimentary of the actions engaged in that section of the country where they are not only being catered to in terms of consistent fogging activities but a heightened awareness campaign. This publication was informed that fogging activities are undertaken at least twice daily in sections of Berbice, starting as early as 04:00 hours and continuing at 22:00 hours.
However, this publication understands that inclement weather has, to some extent, been hampering the efficacy of the efforts designed to address the challenge at the source before expanding to neighbouring communities.
But the ongoing efforts have not been without international support, as according to Dr Ramsaran, just yesterday strategic discussions commenced between the Health Ministry and a wide cross-section of supporting agencies including the Pan American Health Organisation, the United Nations Children Fund and local entities such as the Civil Defense Commission.
The Ministry has also been collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
But since “vector control is everybody’s business,” the Minister said that there is need for behavioural change among members of the population to fight environmental degradation to help reduce the breeding site for mosquitoes. Moreover, as part of its awareness campaign, the Ministry has been making available to the public, informative fliers to make them fully aware of how to protect themselves as well as their environment in the continued quest to combat the virus.
As part of its efforts to counter the virus too, the Ministry has been closely monitoring the ports of entry since it is believed that its entry here might have been aided by travelers.
Pic name Ramsaran
Caption:
Pic name fogging1
Caption:
Fogging
Caption: Vector Control workers preparing to start a fogging exercise
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