AFTER sections of the media published that the chikungunya virus had hit Georgetown, Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran on Tuesday evening informed that there is no case of the virus in Georgetown.A twenty-nine-year-old man from West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was believed to have been infected while working in Berbice and a sample of his blood was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad.

The first two cases of the virus were confirmed about two weeks ago, and a while after 17 more suspected cases were validated by CARPHA. All of the cases were found in sections of Port Mourant, Canje and New Amsterdam, Berbice.
Health Minster Ramsaran said the Chief Epidemiologist and acting Chief Medical Officer, Morris Edward, is doing a trace to find out the relation to the person that has a city address but was working in Berbice when he became infected.
Over 150 samples were sent to the CARPHA for testing, according to the Health Minister.
Dr. Ramsaran further stated that his ministry is on top of the business since late last year when other Caribbean islands confirmed the deadly virus.
“There is no outbreak in Guyana or the City, just three restricted areas in Berbice have a handful of cases,” Ramsaran said.
He urged the entire country to keep their surroundings clean, use mosquito repellent, stop dumping garbage and wear light, long-sleeve coloured clothes.
However, the Local Government Ministry will also be involved in assisting to prevent the spread of the chikungunya virus as part of their $1B clean-up campaign.
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, which is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.
CHIKV is transmitted similarly to dengue fever and causes an illness with an acute febrile phase lasting two to five days, followed by a longer period of joint pains in the extremities. This pain may persist for years in some cases.
The best means of prevention is overall mosquito control and, in addition, the avoidance of bites by any infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment but medications can be used to reduce symptoms. Rest and fluids may also be useful. The Ministry of Health Vector Control Services is working feverishly to fog out various communities in Guyana.
Written By Asif Hakim