GOVERNMENT Ministers have been working tirelessly to ensure that measures have been taken, and initiatives implemented to deal with the various consequences of the recent flooding in parts of the country, as a result of several hours of heavy rainfall early Sunday.Flooding generally brings with it water borne diseases, but Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings has reported that there has been no increase in serious illnesses as a result of the flooding.
The Minister was at the time addressing the media in the boardroom of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown where Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green updated the media on the current situation following the flood on Sunday.
The Ministry has ensured that adequate quantities of medications are available at all the health centres, in the event of a sudden rise in water borne diseases, which can be caused if individuals come in contact with the contaminated water. Vector borne diseases, as well as diarrhoea and leptospirosis (bacterial infection) can emerge in flooding conditions.
“We are having a multi-disciplinary team set up to tackle the public health concern as it relates to the recent flooding the country experienced (and) I am very happy for the implementation of the Task Force, that Minister David Patterson alluded to that will be coming on board in about two weeks’ time,” she told reporters.
She also noted that the implementation of this Task Force to tackle specifically the drainage system is commendable.
According to Dr Cummings, this initiative will also provide, for citizens, public health. “I think when we work together more things are achieved.”
“From the Health perspective, we would like to assure citizens that with the implications that come along with flooding, the ministry has everything in place to handle the situation,” she assured.
Minister Cummings is also urging that citizens pay heed to good health practices such as cleaning their surroundings, using protective gear when necessary, boiling all drinking water and avoiding contact with flood water.
It is also advised that citizens utilise mosquito nets and repellents to avoid the contraction of vector borne illnesses.
Minister Cummings advised that in the event of an emergency, and or serious situation regarding health issues, persons can contact the Ministry of Public Health on its hotline number, 227-1316.
