Local testing for the mosquito-borne Zika virus is expected to begin soon upon the return of two technologists who would have undergone training at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad.
This is according to the Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton, who on Saturday provided an update on the measures that are being implemented in the fight against the virus.
Norton stated that based on reports reaching his office, CARPHA recognised that the two Guyanese technologists would have been more advanced in their area of study than expected, thus allowing them to excel at the courses and to finish earlier than expected.
However, Minister was unable to say precisely how soon the technologists can be expected back.
Meanwhile, he related that approximately 150 volunteers would have undergone training to conduct safe and effective fogging exercises. He noted that the two-day training session was undertaken by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), with the expectation of having the volunteers dispersed in the 10 Administrative Regions to conduct fogging exercises.
Norton further explained that the relevant authorities have now adopted a ground approach to the fogging exercise as it is said to be a more effective method than the vehicle approach previously used.
Additionally, he said emphasis is also being placed on educating members of the public on the preventative measures that should be considered to protect themselves against the Zika virus.
Meanwhile, Norton stated that there has been no new reported cases of the virus in the country after the last three reported cases from early last month of persons contracting the virus.
Zika is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also a known vector for the transmission of the dengue and chikungunya viruses.
Chief Medical Officer Shamdeo Persaud had previously described Zika as a very “mild infection” that can go unnoticed, as only one in four patients would develop some symptoms. He noted that signs and symptoms of Zika are very similar to other febrile illnesses and include or are associated with headaches, joint and muscle pains and conjunctivitis, while in some rare instances the virus may lead to neuromuscular problems as a sequel in adults.
The virus has been linked to a neurodevelopmental disorder known as Microcephaly in foetuses.
