| Reiterating that the Chikungunya virus is still a real public health threat, Director of Vector Control Services within the Ministry Health, Dr Reyaud Rahman, yesterday emphasised the need for sustained collaborationThe meeting in session yesterday.to keep the potential impact at a bare minimum.Dr Rahman’s remarks were forthcoming as he addressed the executive members of the Region Three Health and Wellness Club yesterday. The meeting which was venued at the West Demerara Regional Hospital came as part of the Vector Control Services Director to reach out to various communities across the country in the quest to ensure that people are knowledgeable about the various mosquito borne vectors that the local health sector has had to deal with.His talk with the group comes at a time when yet another mosquito borne virus threat has surfaced. There have been reports of an outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil. Not only does the virus manifest similarly to dengue fever but it is also transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.According to Dr Rahman, there is currently no information to suggest that the virus has reached the Caribbean. He however asserted that the Ministry, as always, will remain on high alert when it comes to vector borne diseases in any form.Although the Ministry’s response to the emerging virus is one that this publication understands is slated for extensive discussion, it is expected that the tactic that will be employed will mirror those used to tackle other mosquito borne viruses.The Zika transmitting mosquito, the Aedes Aegypti,China Jerseys Cheap, is also credited with transmitting the Chikungunya virus. Guyana for the first time last year was faced with an outbreak of the Chikungunya virus,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, which, like most other vector borne viruses, is manifested with vomiting, nausea, muscle and joint pains,China NFL Jerseys, rashes, headaches and could include loss of appetite,Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale, among other symptoms.According to Dr Rahman, during the outbreak last year the reported cases of the Chikungunya virus amounted to an average of 20 per week but currently there are reports of about two cases per week.He therefore, in stressing the need for collaboration, asserted that a reduction in the number of cases does not mean that the virus is no longer a threat. He pointed out that while the Ministry has been vigilant in combating the Chikungunya virus and other vector borne diseases and has been seeing laudable gains, there is still need for certain measures to be consistently taken.Among those the Vector Control Director outlined was the need for potable water sources to be well covered. In fact he insisted that any source that can store relatively clean water that is not covered must not remain stagnant for more than three days. Such stagnant water he told the Club members are suitable breeding grounds for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.And it is the expectation of Dr Rahman that the group will be able to educate those residing in Region Three of the need to keep their environment kempt and by extension help reduce the threat of the virus. “Where we stop short you guys can help,” said Dr Rahman as he encouraged the group to take a more active role in tackling mosquito borne viruses.And he is convinced that the persons residing in a particular Region can play an even greater education role. “Even though we talk and talk, we don’t always get through to everybody so we need your help to get the message out there,Cheap NFL Jerseys China,” said Dr Rahman as he assured the Club members of needful support to help safeguard the Region.The offer is however not unique to Region Three as according to Dr Rahman his Department has been rendering similar support to other Regions and is prepared to extend the offer further. The extent of the support, he noted,Wholesale Jerseys China, could include the training of persons within the Region to fog and conduct residual spraying with World Health Organisation-approved chemicals as these are strategic measures that can help to reduce the mosquito population.A number of questions about the Chikungunya virus were asked of Dr Rahman who enlightened the inquiring Club members that aside from the regular insect repellant, persons could opt to use Fendona in the home.Touted as a fast acting insecticide, Fendona when applied to walls in a home could help eliminate disease causing insects.While it is not believed to be harmful, Dr Rahman advised that spraying of the inside walls of the home should be done when it is void of people.After seeking answers to a number of other questions on how to effectively tackle the Chikungunya virus, the Club members yesterday assured Dr Rahman that they would be supportive of the efforts of the Health Ministry’s.The Health and Wellness Club recently celebrated one year of existence and has as its mission to educate, support and empower people within the Region to improve and maintain their overall health and wellbeing through healthy lifestyle choices and behaviours. |
