The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is continuing to implement surveillance and vector control activities as a response to the Chikungunya virus. Although there has been a decrease in the number of reported cases since the outbreak in April of this year, the virus remains prevalent here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and also throughout the region. Persons who have not yet contracted the disease are still at risk of contracting the virus. The fight against Chikungunya is also a fight against Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. It is, therefore, appropriate and necessary for everyone to protect him or herself from mosquito bites and to avoid harbouring conditions which cause mosquitos to breed. Health care providers, both private and public, are advised to comply with public health guidelines. Case investigation forms must be completed and submitted to the Surveillance Officer in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in all suspected cases of Chikungunya. Laboratory tests must be carried out on infants, pregnant women, complicated cases and persons of advanced age who are suspected of having the virus. All suspected and confirmed cases must be reported to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in a bid to facilitate appropriate planning and response. To date, 173 Laboratory confirmed cases and 1220 Epidemiology-linked cases have been reported. There have also been reports of 2 possible deaths as a consequence of Chikungunya. These cases have, however, not been confirmed by Laboratory tests. They both occurred in elderly patients who died at home. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is currently investigating these cases to ascertain the cause of death. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment urges everyone to be vigilant and to help in the fight against Chikungunya. Luis de Shong Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:28:34 +0000
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