Latest update January 1st, 2025 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Guyana records two suspected Swine Flu cases

Jun 10, 2009 News


…blood samples to be sent overseas

The Ministry of Health has detected two cases of what is suspected to be the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) in Guyana.
It was noted that the cases are related to travel experiences and both were detected at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre on the East Bank of Demerara.
A statement from the Ministry of Health last night stated that blood samples have been taken from the two persons and are being sent overseas for further tests.
There is no confirmation at this time that the two cases are H1N1, but the investigation represents part of the Ministry’s Heightened Suspicion Index for the disease.
The statement added that the Ministry would continue to test persons who meet the criteria for the suspicion index, who have history of illnesses and those who would have traveled to countries where the H1NI virus was detected.
The H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) has now been reported in several Caribbean countries, and according to Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, it is inevitable that the virus would reach Guyana.
At a press conference held earlier yesterday, Minister Ramsammy said that in some of the cases, there is no indication that persons have travelled outside of their country, where the virus has now been reported.
According to Minister Ramsammy, this would therefore indicate that even if the virus comes in through a visitor, there is a level of indigenous transmission within a country.
“It is now at our borders and I expect therefore that it will be here (Guyana) and it is inevitable,” Minister Ramsammy said.
He added that the challenge for the Health Ministry is to now delay the virus for as long as possible.
“Given the nature of H1N1 and given how it is spread, it is almost an impossible task to do so. One way would be to close the borders, but that will not happen. I do not think that it is possible for a country to close its borders.”
Dr. Ramsammy added that intensifying its vigilance at the borders is the way to go as he noted that the ministry has been doing all of the things necessary at the borders.
“We are going to further intensify this activity and we will scrutinize people coming into our country much more.”
The Health Minister commended the various airlines and ships coming to Guyana for complying with the health declaration forms.
“Long before people enter the country, we know who is coming, where they’re coming from, and we also have an indication of any health problems that may arise on the way to Guyana.”
The Health Ministry has ensured that the medication to treat the virus is available as 10,000 doses of Tamiflu are at hand, while an additional 2,500 doses were given to the Ministry from PAHO/WHO.
Minister Ramsammy explained that if the health workers are going to detect the virus early, then they have to know the people who are having flu like symptoms, when they are having fever, and where they are having fever.
He noted that some health institutions have not been cooperative in reporting daily incidences of fever treated. Dr. Ramsammy threatened to enforce the laws on such institutions, as he added that disciplinary action would also be taken against public health workers who are not reporting any cases to the Ministry.
“This is a national call to duty and we must take all necessary actions.”

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional boxing

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional...

Dec 31, 2024

By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports- In the rich tapestry of Guyanese sports, few names shine as brightly as Keevin Allicock. A prodigious talent with the rare blend of skill, charisma, and grit, Allicock...
Read More
Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for 2025 CWI Regional Four-Day Tournament

Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for...

Dec 31, 2024

The business end has arrived, a place in the final is at stake tomorrow night

The business end has arrived, a place in the...

Dec 31, 2024

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project...

Dec 31, 2024

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind Drakes 5 goal spree, Botafago humble Capital Fc 8-3

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind...

Dec 31, 2024

Dharry reigns supreme with second-round KO against Ramirez

Dharry reigns supreme with second-round KO...

Dec 30, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]