The Ministry of Health is investigating the cause of a leptospirosis outbreak in Dominica.
Four people have died from the disease this year after health officials reported an outbreak on the island.
Health Minister Julius Timothy told a consultation on a new Medical Bill on Monday, that the health department will continue to take measures to reduce the disease on the island.
“We are conducting research into the cause of the disease on the island. This research will serve to guide intervention and prevention activities from the Ministry of Health. Public and prevented health strategies that consider environment health prevention can be very important. Such interventions are cost effective and yield benefits that also contribute to the overall well being of communities,” he said.
17 cases of the disease were reported last year.
Very Worried!!! Leptospirosis is not new,The vectors are known. The problem has been in Dominica for several years and now rather belatedly we want to seem to be talking up the condition. We need not commence any investigation! We need to arrest this trend through three simple measures: (a)Prevention! How? A massive public awareness campaign where people are informed of the known vectors, how the disease is transmitted, and the need to keep their surroundings clean and free of vermins. Destroying rats and its kind,avoiding coming in contact with their secretions, droppings and urine. Avoid ingesting foodstuff contaminated by secretions from these vermins, Inform the public of the signs and symptoms of the disease(b)Having a ready suppply of appropriate antibiotics that are active against the spirochaetes such as penicillins and tetracyclines and start prophylaxis with appropriate antibiotics on any one suspected of having the disease while awaiting confirmation and (c) reduction of morbidity by practicing aggressive management on the afflicted patients with appropriate nursing care in a specialised unit well supported by diligent staff, blood products and a reliable, efficient lab capable of confirming the diagnosis within 12-24 hours.
We talk too much let us get to work and rid our little island of this scourge. Ras Out!!!