SARS cases to be closely monitored in the wake of the H1N1 virus

Jun 22, 2009 News

– Dr Persaud

A port mortem will be conducted on anyone who dies from respiratory failure to determine whether it was related to the H1N1 virus. This disclosure was made by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who also revealed that persons with certain existing medical conditions such as Diabetes and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) are considered vulnerable to the flu-type virus.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

He disclosed that a more strategic way of monitoring the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) will be phased in this week, as part of the local Ministry of Health efforts to incorporate a regional approach to the pandemic.
Following a meeting between CMOs of the Region on Friday to craft a common approach to deal with the virus, Dr Persaud has been developing guidelines to boost the capabilities of the local health sector, should the disease be detected here.
He revealed that in addition to increasing staff at the port of entries and providing airliners with Health Declaration Forms to establish the status of those entering the country, the Ministry will also employ a strategic method of testing cases of influenza.
The CMO related that the Ministry will be working closely with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, which will be tasked with testing at least the first 10 cases of influenza with a sample being taken from every 10th case.
And persons with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) will be closely monitored, Dr Persaud assured.
At the recent meeting, he disclosed that CMOs agreed on a common guideline for managing the disease, even as he noted that all of the countries have been provided with Tamiflu for the treatment and prevention of flu in adults and children one year and older.
Some 30,000 doses of the treatment is available at the Ministry of Health, Dr Persaud divulged, pointing out that if the need arises more can be made available.
And while the public and regional hospitals will have ready access to the treatment, he explained that the private hospitals could have a similar privilege if they give just cause.
Although the probability of the virus reaching Guyana is very high, so far there has been no evidence to indicate its arrival here. The Health Ministry has even been able to rule out five suspected cases out of 14 that were sent abroad for testing.
As the threat looms, the local CMO said that the Ministry of Health will continue to work closely with all of the country’s hospital.
Since the detection of the virus which is now classified as a level six pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designed the general international protocols for dealing with it. There are protocols for the intensity of the symptoms of the virus, some for the diagnosis and also for remedial measures and for the prevention of its spreading.
According to Assistant Secretary General of Caricom, Dr Edward Greene, the Region has adopted the WHO protocols.
The virus, which is characteristic of the symptoms of a flu, could include sore throat, coughing, fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and chills.
However, the H1N1 virus may differ to some extent as there is the element of total fatigue which is sometimes accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, Dr Greene disclosed.
– He has highlighted that the alerts associated with the virus suggest that persons can help in reducing its spread as they simply have to isolate themselves, since the virus could move from one person to another via indigenous transmission.