Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine


[ QUOTE ]
So is that the government fault too?? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70392-silly.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Wed Dec 13, 2006
Health Minister stumped for answers about malaria outbreak

The data on malaria promised to the Parliamentary Opposition by Health Minister Horace Dalley were not forthcoming at the end of Tuesday's sitting of Parliament.

Mr. Dalley made the promise after he was unable to provide information on aspects of the malaria outbreak which was requested by the Opposition.

Fresh concerns surfaced Tuesday about the Government's claims that it has the malaria outbreak under control in the aftermath of revelations of a backlog of blood samples waiting to be tested for the disease.

The Health Minister admitted that the Ministry was pressured to deal with the backlog and has dispatched some of the samples overseas to be tested.

This disclosure triggered a flurry of questions from Opposition members.

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding sought confirmation that 1,500 samples of blood were awaiting testing.

But Mr. Dalley was not able to supply that or other answers to questions from other Opposition members.

Mr. Dalley said as soon as the information becomes available he will turn it over to Mr. Golding.

http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&story=30943

<u>See also:</u>

Wed Dec 13, 2006
Massive cleanup started to halt spread of malaria

In response to the outbreak of malaria, Local Government Minister Dean Peart has ordered a massive clean-up programme for the entire Corporate Area starting Wednesday.

http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&amp;story=30949

[evanovitch]

Jamaicans affected by malaria speak out

'I thought I was going to die'

WHEN 18-year-old Oliver White told his mother that he felt like he was about to die, he really believed he would.
So severe were the symptoms of the malaria virus that racked his body that the young man began planning his will on what he believed to be his "death bed".

"Me tell mi mother mi was going to die because mi was so weak. Me couldn't even move me hand to touch meself, and me couldn't feel anything," he said.

"This disease seems to be even worse than AIDS, because me hear say it can kill you much quicker; and me really believe that," White said.

For the family of Natalie Ferguson - a 31-year-old mother of four, who is still in the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) receiving treatment for malaria - the wait is almost too much for them to bear.

Enid Spence, who is beginning to feel the strain of caring for her four grandchildren, told the Observer that her daughter first started complaining of headaches, followed by a bout of vomiting a few days ago.

"I thought she had the flu, but it was when the diarrhoea started she decided to go to KPH [Kingston Public Hospital]," Spence recalled. She said her daughter fainted repeatedly as she waited to see the doctor, and was immediately admitted and given intravenous fluid.

"Right now, mi don't even know when she a go come out of hospital because the doctors won't say," the worried mom continued.

One resident who went to visit Ferguson yesterday said she was doing "a little better" as she was finally able to raise her head up from off the bed. "Them have her cover up under a mesh, but she look like she doing better," he told the Observer.

But Spence, who is left to care for her grandchildren ages 11 to one years old, is worried about her daughter's health as well as the growing fear that the children could very well be infected.

"I don't even known if any of them have the malaria so I can get help for them," she said, while calling on the authorities to come in and test the children.

The family lives on Metcalf Road, a community off Maxfield Avenue, where a few of the 61 Jamaicans diagnosed with malaria live.

"Today I hear that a van was up there testing and by the time me reach up there them gone," Spence said.

Another resident, Sharon Jackson said more emphasis needs to be placed on testing the children so that those who are infected can start receiving treatment immediately.

"I really think they should have put out a special effort to have all the children tested because there are so many children living in this community," Jackson said.

The residents say they also wanted to see their community fogged on a regular basis, as the mosquitoes come out in droves at night. "They came one night to fog and for a few days we didn't see the mosquitoes that much, but after awhile they started coming back in droves," explained Jackson.

The residents pointed to an area in the backyard of the tenement dwelling where water from a broken pipe and water cistern had formed a small swamp, which they say is the source of the killer mosquitoes.

Yesterday, as Ferguson's mother, children, friends and neighbours prayed for her speedy recovery, White and his mother were giving thanks that he was feeling better.

As he recuperated at his Maxfield Avenue home in Kingston 13, he told the Observer that he still could not believe that he was alive and able to recount the ordeal he had gone through since being diagnosed with malaria last Thursday

[evanovitch]

'No malaria in the west'


The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) yesterday dismissed rumours that a case of malaria had been detected in the region.

According to Clinton Pickering, WRHA information officer, there has been no evidence to support the claims.

"I have been advised that there are still no confirmed cases of malaria in the western region," he said.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that a case of malaria was discovered at the Hope Medical Clinic, in Albion, St. James. However, when the institution was contacted, a representative said that they heard the rumour but that "the allegations were false".

Under the health authority ranking scheme, malaria is seen as a class one disease which must be reported regardless of whether the case was brought to a private or public health facility.

Since the outbreak, the WRHA has stepped up surveillance measures as a precaution against the disease.

"Steps are already being put in place to work closely with the epidemiology department to increase surveillance in the region," Mr. Pickering said. "What this means is that areas that might be at risk for mosquito breeding will be treated consistently."

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: 'No malaria in the west'

So far....

[Seveen]

Re: 'No malaria in the west'

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/70384-praying.gif[/img]

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

[ QUOTE ]
So is that the government fault too?? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70392-silly.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Thu Dec 14, 2006

Union blames Government for backlog of blood samples

The union which represents the island's medical technologists is pointing the finger at the Government for the backlog of blood samples waiting to be tested.

General Secretary of the Union of Technical, Administrative and Supervisory Personnel, St. Patrice Ennis, says a serious shortage of medical technologists has left Government labs struggling to conduct tests on the hundreds of blood samples already taken.

Mr. Ennis says the technologists in the system are stretched despite assistance from overseas specialists.

He notes that for sometime the union has been urging the Government to complete a reclassification of the medical technologists in an attempt to attract persons to fill several vacancies.

Since Tuesday a war of words has broken out between the Government and the Opposition over the number of blood samples to be tested.

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding has claimed that up to 1,500 samples are yet to be tested.

However Health Minister Horace Dalley has insisted that while there is a backlog the 1,500 figure is over stated.

Officials of the Health Ministry have admitted that hundreds of samples have not been tested while some have been sent overseas.

http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&amp;story=31018

[mangoskin]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

stop!!

even the great, rich first world US of A, received help and assistance from developing countries as a result of the Katrina hurricane..

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

[ QUOTE ]
stop!!

even the great, rich first world US of A, received help and assistance from developing countries as a result of the Katrina hurricane..

[/ QUOTE ]

I already said admitted that.
Even the great USA paid a price politically, socially and economically for not been prepared and subsequently bungling in the Katrina matter.

[lonewolf]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
stop!!

even the great, rich first world US of A, received help and assistance from developing countries as a result of the Katrina hurricane..

[/ QUOTE ]

I already said admitted that.
Even the great USA paid a price politically, socially and economically for not been prepared and subsequently bungling in the Katrina matter.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok, first I've heard of this. Heading to Ocho in January.
My wife has a suppressed immune system because of drugs she has to take for a kidney transplant. What precautions should we take if any? Any outbreaks in Ochie area?

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, first I've heard of this. Heading to Ocho in January.
My wife has a suppressed immune system because of drugs she has to take for a kidney transplant. What precautions should we take if any? Any outbreaks in Ochie area?

[/ QUOTE ]

I honestly cannot give you any advice, I would not want to be responsible for any complications your wife my suffer.
I just heard it was now about 77 cases but even the local health authorities don't seem to know the scope of the problem.

Check out your country's travel bulletin/advisory and see what they recommend

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

You neva heard it from me!


Fri Dec 15, 2006
<font color="brown">Ministry of Health denies reports of malaria cases in Western parishes</font>

The Ministry of Health is denying reports that cases of malaria have been identified in Western Jamaica.

Since early this week reports have surfaced that some residents of Trelawny were diagnosed with malaria sparking fears that the outbreak was spreading.

This was fuelled by reports that teams from the Ministry of Health were seen carrying out house to house visits in sections of the parish.

But Director of Emergency Services in the Health Ministry Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse says this is part of efforts to prevent a spread of the disease.

77 cases of malaria have been confirmed since the outbreak was reported two weeks ago.

This includes six cases which were confirmed from 374 samples sent to the Centre for Disease Control in the United States.

All the new cases were from the Corporate Area communities where malaria has already been found.

A further 300 samples were sent to the Centre for Disease Control Friday.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is staying clear of the controversy over the number of blood samples waiting to be tested.

A war of words developed this week between Health Minister Horace Dalley and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding over the backlog of samples to be tested.

Mr. Golding claimed that up to 1,500 blood samples were still to be tested but Mr. Dalley rejected this figure arguing that the number is much less.

Friday Director of Emergency Services in the Health Ministry Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse accepted that there was a backlog of samples to be tested but avoided giving a figure.

<font color="red">Dr. Bullock-Ducasse said the number of samples in the lab was not important as the Health Ministry was not waiting on the results of the tests to treat persons in the areas where malaria has been found.</font>

She says persons from the affected areas who have fever and other symptoms consistent with malaria should go to the nearest Health Centre for treatment this weekend.

http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&amp;story=31060

[lonewolf]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Ok, first I've heard of this. Heading to Ocho in January.
My wife has a suppressed immune system because of drugs she has to take for a kidney transplant. What precautions should we take if any? Any outbreaks in Ochie area?

[/ QUOTE ]

I honestly cannot give you any advice, I would not want to be responsible for any complications your wife my suffer.
I just heard it was now about 77 cases but even the local health authorities don't seem to know the scope of the problem.

Check out your country's travel bulletin/advisory and see what they recommend

[/ QUOTE ]


Thanks Tuff, I'll do that. We'll just take repellent with us. Couples Ocho sprays regularly. I can't ever remember being bitten at all in past visits. Any new info posted will be appreciated. Jamaica and travel agencies in the states keeping this stuff hushed up. I'm sure this could be devastating to winter travel resulting in loss of money for Jamaica's travel industry.

[evanovitch]

'Get treated for malaria symptoms'


This pile of used tyres off Waltham Park Road in St. Andrew, is a potential breeding site for the mosquitoes that spread the potentially deadly malaria disease.


The Ministry of Health has appealed to persons in malaria
The appeal comes as the number of malaria cases has risen to 77.

"It is extremely important that persons with suspected malaria receive treatment as soon as possible," said Dr. Marion Bullock-DuCasse, director of emergency services in the Health Ministry.

In addition Dr. Bullock-DuCasse said persons who have already received treatment only need to report to health centres if the fever and symptoms have returned.

Get full treatment

Persons receiving treatment are also encouraged to take the full course for three days as they could become ill if they discontinue. Those who were hospitalised are also encouraged to return to the hospital for their seven day checkup.

The Ministry of Health reported yesterday that a further 300 malaria smears would be sent to the Center for Disease Control in the United States, to be tested. This is in addition to 374 smears which were sent there on Wednesday. Of the 123 results that have been received so far, six were confirmed cases of malaria.

Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health, said this was in keeping with the five per cent positive trend that has been seen since the outbreak began.

She also noted that the six new cases had links to the identified communities, which suggests that the outbreak is still confined to the initial areas of Denham Town, Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town and Delacree Park.

Dr. Bullock-DuCasse has reiterated that all mass gatherings in affected areas should be suspended until further notice, noting that the situation will be reviewed next week.

Persons residing in or visiting these communities are reminded to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from infection.

These measures are:


Wearing appropriate light-coloured clothing that covers the body such as long sleeves, pants and socks.

Avoid wearing dark clothes at nights as this attracts mosquitoes.

Use insect repellent containing the chemical DEET.

Sleep under mosquito net.
The health centres that will be open this weekend are:

Kingston


Hagley Park

Maxfield Park

Denham Town Comprehensive

Kiwanis Maternity Clinic
St. Catherine


Sydenham

Greater Portmore

Christian Pen

St. Jago
MALARIA HELPLINE

1888-663-5683/922-0024

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Malaria alert! Kingston and St Catherine

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Tuff,.....

[/ QUOTE ]

You are welcome!

[ QUOTE ]
....Any new info posted will be appreciated. Jamaica and travel agencies in the states keeping this stuff hushed up. I'm sure this could be devastating to winter travel resulting in loss of money for Jamaica's travel industry.

[/ QUOTE ]

Might not be such a bad thing!

[evanovitch]

Malaria hits Boys' Town

Malaria hits Boys' Town
First reported case of an athlete
DANIA BOGLE, Observer staff reporter
Saturday, December 16, 2006



A Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) decision to postpone all National Premier League (NPL) matches due to the outbreak of malaria hit home yesterday, when it was revealed that a member of the Boys' Town football club had been hospitalised after he contracted the disease, making him the first athlete reported to be infected.

Boys' Town coach Andrew Price told Sporting World that the club's administration was surprised to learn that the player, who lives in Arnett Gardens, returned a positive test for the mosquito-borne illness following screening earlier this week.
"We weren't even aware that he had contracted this thing till very late in the game," Price said.

Price praised the JFF for the decision to postpone all matches.

"That is why it is very important that we take this thing seriously," Price said, " We are happy that the JFF took the decision to postpone all the matches."

He added that the team would continue to train despite the latest developments.

"It's not necessary to suspend training for such a tight-knit group of players," he said.

Meanwhile, the JFF yesterday lifted its ban on football in areas outside of Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine following the negative results of blood samples that were taken across the island.

Football's local governing body on Thursday instructed all its affiliates, parish associations, and NPL clubs to postpone all competitions on the advice of medical committee chairman, Dr Winston Dawes, due to the malaria outbreak.

"This is a precautionary measure taken against the background of the deadly malaria disease that can be spread where there are large gatherings," the JFF release stated.

The JFF's move resulted in the postponement of today's Olivier Shield return leg final between daCosta Cup champions Glenmuir and Manning Cup winners Bridgeport scheduled for Brancourt in Clarendon.

Competitions officer at the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), George Forbes, told Sporting World that his organisation had had no choice in postponing the game because of the JFF's action.

Forbes said no games could have been played against the local governing body's advisory.

However, a source inside the Ministry of Health told Sporting World that a match being played in Clarendon should not have been affected, because it was outside the malaria affected areas.

"We would advise against persons from the affected areas travelling to other parts, but not against the match being played," our source said.
Meanwhile, Glenmuir coach Patrick 'Jackie' Walters was philosophical about the indefinite postponement of today's daCosta Cup game.
"Such is life," Walters said, "we just have to accept them kind of decisions."
Walters didn't expect the match to be played before January next year and said that the delay would definitely have an impact on his players.
"It would affect us because we stopped training now. but I don't see it playing," he said.
Bridgeport coach Anthony Patrick didn't think there would be too much effect on the team because of the delay and mentioned that several players were also members of Naggo Head's Under-21 team and would therefore still get playing time if the match was postponed indefinitely.

"I don't feel there would be any major effect," he noted.
Patrick was also philosophical and said he wouldn't mind if ISSA abandoned the game and asked them to share the trophy.

In the meantime, Forbes said he expected ISSA to meet on Monday to make a decision as to whether the match would be delayed until January or cancelled.