Latest update February 23rd, 2025 1:40 PM
Latest News
- Miner dies after tree stump falls on head
- Drunken businessman shoots wife dead during argument
- Taxes collected by Bahamas on Guyana’s oil will soon outweigh our total earnings – Chris Ram
- Gov’t ignores concerns, reappoints Director, members of Environmental Assessment Board for 3rd consecutive year
- Pope Francis in critical condition after health deteriorates, Vatican says
Guyana prepared to deal with prolonged symptoms of Chikungunya virus
Concerns about the potential lasting effects of the Chikungunya Virus have not escaped the keen attention
Dr Reyaud Rahman, Director of Vector Control Services
of the Ministry of Health. The virus, which first invaded these parts early last year, is believed to have infected hundreds of people, and is said to have prolonged effects that could last even for years.
But according to Director of Vector Control Services, Dr. Reyaud Rahman, the Ministry has been paying attention to the virus, although its impact here has greatly diminished. He pointed out that while it is possible that some persons will have protracted effects of the virus, dealing with this development will be dependent on person’s adherence to medication prescribed to them. Added to this, he noted that it is recommended that persons ensure that resting and hydration become important features of their lives.
During an interview with this publication last year, Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. James Hospedales, said that a fair percentage of persons who have been inflicted with the virus are likely to be still affected with its symptoms some three years later.
While the symptoms of the mosquito-borne virus include rash, high fever, nausea and/or vomiting, headache, muscles and joint pains, Dr. Hospedales disclosed that among the most pronounced symptoms that are likely to remain overtime is that of the joint pains.
And according to Dr. Rahman, those persons with an advanced state of joint pains may require the attention of a Rheumatologist in order to be prescribed specialized medication.
A Rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and medical management of patients with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Dr. Rahman has however, cautioned that “you should not take these (specialised medication) on your own. You should see a proper physician who specializes in this area and has the experience to manage such complications…you shouldn’t simply go to the pharmacy and buy over the counter drugs.”
But according to him, “we haven’t had too many persons crying out, and still saying that we are affected by this virus.”
Nevertheless, he asserted that it is not likely that Guyana will see the last of the virus anytime soon. “We know that we will have some cases where people are going to be affected and we are prepared to deal with that.”
One of the primary modes of ensuring that persons are reminded of the ways and means of safeguarding themselves is through sensitization sessions which have been conducted on a countrywide scale.
And the sensitization session, Dr. Rahman noted, is not limited to members of the public since persons within the health sector are seen as crucial targets as well.
“Be it doctors, medics, community health workers, whoever, we target them. We remind them about what needs to be done to reduce the prevalence of this virus,” Dr. Rahman outlined.
“Targeting health workers is imperative so as to ensure that they maintain that awareness of what is needed to be done to manage patients suffering from the virus with a view of getting them back on their feet as soon as possible.”
And according to the Vector Control Director, “we are confident that our health care personnel, in terms of management, understand it (the virus) and understand it well, and can do whatever is necessary whenever it is necessary.”
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Crowds, chaos and complaints
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The folly of the cash grant distribution is a textbook case of what happens when a government,... more
Why the U.S. Should Strengthen Trade Ties with the Caribbean
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- A rules-based international trading system has long been a foundation of global commerce,... more
Weekend Cartoon
