REGIONAL Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ranjeev Singh, on Tuesday, disclosed that a medical team and Environmental Health Officers are in the Pomeroon River conducting health assessments of the flood-affected communities.
They will be in the Pomeroon River from Tuesday to Thursday of this week. During the visit, they will further assess the flooding situation and provide advice and treatment to those in need.
Dr. Singh said so far there are no reports of any water-borne diseases; however, the Regional Health Services unit will remain vigilant and frequently visit Amerindian communities such as Kabakaburi, St Monica, and Karawab areas, where residents are most affected.
He said that Environmental Health Officers will be in the three communities to conduct health education talks on proper sanitation, how to treat water, and how to conduct foot baths. He said it is important for persons in flood-affected communities to use “chlorine” water as a way of sanitising. Bottles of bleach will be distributed to residents to assist them to practise safe hygiene.
Meanwhile, the RHO assured that there is no shortage of drugs in the region and said residents living in the rural areas can visit the closest health centre to access medication.

He also called on residents to ensure that they go to the health centre for ointments should they notice any rashes or skin infections. Dr. Singh urged parents to ensure that their children are not exposed to floodwater since they could contract water-borne infections and diseases.
“With flooding, they might be water-borne diseases so we have to ensure that we educate our people on how they should practise good hygiene… we know we have water-borne diseases like leptospirosis and cholera so we have to protect ourselves,” he said.
Noting that it is the responsibility of the region’s health officials to protect citizens, he advised persons who are experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea to visit the nearest health post.
“We want people to come forward and report if they have any disease or rashes because the water will have bacteria. You need to report it as fast as possible so we can contain same,” Dr. Singh said. The RHO had accompanied a team to flooded parts of the Pomeroon River on Sunday. He said they were able to gather first-hand information on the flooding situation.