The Blue CAPS group has expressed concern over a surge of unofficial reported cases of chikungunya in Georgetown and the rest of Region Four and the silence of local health authorities on the situation.
“…It is mystifying that Guyana’s public health authorities remain markedly silent on what might become the first wave of a burgeoning medical crisis,” the non-governmental organisation said in a statement on Monday, while reporting that it had received increased reports about the virus, which is spread through bites from infected mosquitoes.
The Health Ministry yesterday announced its schedule for fogging in Georgetown to “kill the adult mosquitoes which carry mosquito borne diseases.” The Ministry statement made no reference to chikungunya and it is yet to release new information on the spread of the virus. When Stabroek News visited the Chief Medical Officer’s office yesterday for an update, it was told that he was unavailable. All other efforts to contact him by telephone were futile.
According to the Blue CAPS statement, executive chairman of Blue CAPS Clinton Urling, who is also a former president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has received numerous complaints from private sector operatives about employees being sent home on sick leave as a result of the virus. In addition, Urling reported that his own business establishment has had three employees proceed on leave for exhibiting symptoms of the virus. Further, two members of Blue CAPS also have exhibited symptoms of the virus. The symptoms includes fever and severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes.
In light of this situation, the Blue CAPS organisation urged health authorities to immediately investigate and urgently develop a reporting system for healthcare institutions and the national health ministry to track confirmed cases of the virus. “Providing confirmed information would give the public an accurate picture about how to best manage this health issue,” it noted.
In addition, the organisation also offered suggestions if “an empirically based investigation” uncovers that there is an outbreak.
It said surveillance studies should be conducted to trace the virus’ spreading pattern to determine targeted preventive interventions; the use and application of insecticides to kill mosquitoes and larvae should be increased; and information to the public on taking necessary precautions to avoid contracting the virus should be disseminated. It said too that basic precautions should be promoted, such as the use of repellents and mosquito nets, along with reminding residents to wear long sleeves and pants and to fit screens in room to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Blue CAPS also called on the PAHO/WHO Guyana Country Office to offer technical support and guidance for managing the current situation effectively. “The office also could provide public awareness and training sessions on implementing preventive measures as well as guidelines for clinical management and diagnosis of the virus,” it added.
Meanwhile, according to the Health Ministry statement, Vector Control Services will commence fogging in targeted Georgetown communities today.
It said the fogging exercises will begin at 5:30pm today and would continue until Friday in Kingston, Cummingsburg, Lacytown, Bourda, Alberttown, Queenstown, Bel-Air Park, Lamaha Gardens, Newtown Kitty, Campbellville, Kitty, Subryanville, Bel-Air Gardens, Prashad Nagar, Bel-Air and Bel-Air Springs.
Residents in the targeted communities are being asked to open their windows to allow the fog mist into their homes to kill the mosquitoes. They are also reminded to cover all drinking water and secure food stuff as a means to prevent contamination. Persons suffering from asthma, young children, and elderly people are to be kept away from the direct flow of fog.
