DOCTORS from the Linden Hospital Complex are concerned over the number of patients being treated over the past week with zika related symptoms. Two of these patients however have been tested for the virus and the samples have been sent overseas.
This information was relayed at the RDC’s statutory meeting on Thursday by chairman of the health committee and medical doctor attached to the Linden Hospital, Gregory Harris. Dr. Harris said that while many patients have been treated for zika related symptoms, he is extremely concerned about two patients who showed additional symptoms of red eyes and skin rashes. The patients were on Tuesday tested, treated and sent home as the disease was contagious.
This revelation has called for the expediting of fogging in the communities. However, the Regional Health Officer said that they were awaiting the end of the rainy season to do so. Upon the commencement of this fogging exercise, the residents will be notified of same so as to take the necessary precautions.
In addition to fogging, the Regional Health Committee has committed to sensitizing residents on the different ways in which one could prevent contracting the disease. Medical outreaches have commenced in various riverain communities that are more susceptible to mosquito infestation because of the heavily forested terrain. Recently, a health fair was held in Kwakwani where residents were sensitized about the virus. In addition to this, residents are given chemicals to throw into stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Guyana has already recorded five cases of the virus and the Ministry of Health is assiduously trying to keep the situation under control. The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also known to carry the Dengue, Yellow Fever and Chikungunya viruses. Health experts are unsure why the Virus – detected in Africa in 1947 but unknown in the Americas until last year – is spreading so rapidly in Brazil and neighbouring countries. Brazil and Colombia are reportedly the most affected countries.