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West Demerara Hospital identified for swine flu quarantine

May 02, 2009 News

In light of the increase in the Swine Flu virus in Mexico and other parts of the world, the Ministry of Health has advised that only essential travel to Mexico be undertaken and all non-essential travel be deferred.

The Ministry is advising that travel to the United States of America be done with caution and urge travelers to pay special attention to all advisories and warning of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services of the United States.
On Thursday, Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy held the first in a series of meetings with the Pandemic Committee- that also focused on SARS and Avian Flu- to update the committee on the national action plan as it relates to the disease.

The committee comprises representatives from a number of non governmental organizations, line ministries and international and donor agencies including PAHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, CDC and USAID who are once again lending support to the Ministry’s efforts.
It was explained that the daily syndromic surveillance reporting with a special focus on influenza type illnesses has commenced and the first responders who were trained during the Avian Flu situation have been activated and are ready to take action should the need arise.

A press statement from the Health Ministry stated that, “while it is highly unlikely, in the event of it becoming necessary, the West Demerara Hospital has already been identified for surge capacity and the quarantine of patients possibly infected with swine flu.” Meanwhile routine activities continue at the airport as it relates to port health and while travel has not been restricted, more intrusive plans are on the cards to protect the nation’s borders, if necessary.

The Health Ministry has written the airlines to remind them of their obligations under the International Health Regulations relating to the Aircraft Health Declaration and to inform them that this will be enforced.
Passenger information cards have been reviewed to determine appropriateness and distribution of these cards to passengers, commencing with those from New York, should begin shortly, while passengers coming into Guyana are also being closely observed to detect unusual health behaviour.

As it relates to ground crossing and sea ports, (Georgetown, Moleson Creek, Lethem) routine activities continue in relation to port health as the maritime declaration of health continues to be enforced.
Minister Ramsammy is in hourly contact with the CDC and PAHO office in Washington as well as daily contact with the World Health Organisation.
Additionally, Chief Medical Officer Shamdeo Persaud continues to maintain daily direct contact with his counterparts in Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela.

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