Georgetown: Two senior medical technologists from the National Public Health Reference Laboratory have completed, at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), training on operating equipment to test for vector-borne diseases. And with the imminent arrival of the so-called “triple test” kits, the authorities say they will soon be able to test for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.
Shemeza Ally-Sonoram and Johanna Vaughn, who completed the training, will work, along with a number of other specialist staff identified by the Public Health Ministry (MPH), to perform specific duties in helping to complete these tests, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has reported.
CARPHA had been training Guyanese health care providers in a number of specialized areas, GINA stated. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud told GINA that the MPH took advantage of the training offered by the Trinidad-based agency.
“We had the intention to build capacity level at our National Public Health Reference Laboratory; but, of course, you know these lab tests are very specific and not only require special skills, operators and technicians, but also require special equipment,” Dr Persaud stated.
According to GINA, the public health sector will now be able to efficiently test and treat patients diagnosed with vector-borne diseases. Testing of samples for reported cases of these diseases are currently sent to CARPHA.
In addition to acquiring modern equipment, the Ministry of Public Health is also awaiting the arrival of “triple kits” that would enable the lab to test for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.
“What would happen here is that the National Public Health Reference Laboratory would be the principal testing site, and we will collect the samples from the peripheral sites and bring them in,” Dr. Persaud explained.
The Guyanese public can expect local testing for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika in the public health sector to begin shortly. The Ministry of Public Health is working towards having this process started, and to also provide a service that will be effective and helpful to the public.
Dr. Persaud also highlighted that reported cases of these vector-borne diseases have influenced the move towards facilitating local testing. There have been 5,375 reported cases of Chikungunya, with 264 confirmed cases; and 187 reported cases of Zika, with 13 confirmed cases, GINA stated.
It added that dengue has been a challenge throughout the Caribbean region, but Guyana has not experienced any serious cases of the illness. There are four types of Dengue fever; Guyana is affected by the primary infection of type two.
The Ministry of Public Health continues to encourage citizens to protect themselves from being affected by vector-borne diseases by using bed nets, insect repellents, and by wearing long-sleeved tops or long pants.
Persons can also prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by keeping water containers covered; disposing stagnant water from flower vases, old tyres and other containers that might serve as breeding sites; and by clearing all drains and waterways of garbage and debris.
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