Interior locations need access to diagnosis and treatment of chikungunya and dengue

Dear Editor,

As the chikungunya virus continues to spread throughout our country, I would like to enquire from the health authorities about what mechanisms are in place to combat this virus if, for example, it spreads to the interior location, especially the mining locations where malaria is already rampant and given that most miners come from the coastland.

I am presently located in the Middle Mazaruni and have heard numerous reports of persons suffering from chikungunya, though, of course, there are no facilities to confirm this diagnosis. It is assumed that this diagnosis is done from the symptoms experienced.

None of the health facilities in this location have any facilities to test for chikungunya or dengue.

The interior locations need access to a level of diagnosis and treatment that the coastland has.

Yours faithfully,

M Abraham