Massive campaign launched to deal with Chikungunya outbreak in Berbice

May 31, 2014 News

In the wake of two confirmed cases of the Chikungunya virus locally, the Ministry of Health (MoH) under the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) has launched a massive response to combat the disease and prevent it from spreading.
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, earlier this week, announced that there had been two confirmed cases, one in Canefield and the other in Cumberland, Canje-a 4- year- old and a 40-year- old.

Dr. Mahadeo (2nd from left with Dr. Rahman and other senior MoH officials at Angoy’s Avenue Health Centre Day).

During the past days, there has been the commencement of a massive education drive of residents of Regions Five and Six regarding the confirmation of the presence of the Chikungunya virus in Berbice.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, Chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean.
An official of the BRHA, speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday, added that medical teams are present on a daily basis in the Canje area, fumigating. “Schools and public buildings were sprayed yesterday in that same area, as our efforts kick into full gear to combat the spread of the Chikungunya Virus,” the official said.
At the recently held Agony’s Avenue Health Centre Day in New Amsterdam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BRHA, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo said that the virus is spread by the mosquitoes that lurk around people’s homes and domestic spaces, and “If the mosquito doesn’t have the virus inside—it will bite you and nothing will happen.”
“My defense is to get rid of the mosquito….and let’s declare war on mosquitoes!”
He urged all to make a commitment. “The disease comes with a very high fever and unbearable joint pains and rashes on the skin—especially in the older people and very young children, so if you care for yourself and elderly in your community, let us get rid of these mosquitoes!”
He urged residents to get rid of containers like coconut shells and old buckets that have a bit of stagnant water in them for long periods. He noted that fogging has been ongoing across the area with the assistance of the Director of Vector Control Services of the MoH, Dr. Reyaud Rahman. “They can only do so much but the rest, we have to do.”
Dr. Mahadeo noted that pamphlets will also be distributed and regular TV programmes aired where viewers can call in and ask questions pertaining to the virus.
There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Chikungunya virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
Dr.Mahadeo urged residents of Angoy’s Avenue to make use of the doctor who is stationed from 1pm- 9pm at the health center in that area. He discouraged them from seeking medical attention from private healthcare facilities. “The public health services in Guyana provide one type of drug across the board so if you come here you can get Panadol—the same Panadol you will get at West Demerara, Suddie or Linden Hospitals—nothing different.”
Mahadeo added that in 2003, Angoy’s Avenue was just developing, “but as the community started developing rapidly, health services in this area became an urgent need.” He thanked Mr. Indranauth Persaud and Pastor Philip Rose, who are part of the Management Committee, for their hard work over the past year of the health centre’s existence.
The health centre, which serves a whopping 15,000 persons, is staffed with one doctor, one midwife, one health worker, one clinic attendant and one SIMAP worker. Among the services offered include pre-natal clinic; pre-school clinic; family- planning clinic; pharmacy services; dressings; immunization and visits to the shut-ins. Programmes such as sprinkles distribution and educational talks are offered to pregnant mothers. During the first year of its operations, thousands of children were vaccinated.