Dear Editor,
Permit me to express my concern over the filaria situation in Guyana. I am not aware how desperate the situation is, but all I know that it is a preventable disease spread by mosquitoes and Guyanese are definitely not exempt from it.
It is characterised by swollen lymph glands, particularly in the foot. A type of salt, DEC (diethylcarbamazine) salt, was introduced some years ago to combat the dreaded disease through preventable measures.
Editor, my real concern is how many people are actually using the salt? Symptoms of this disease do not manifest until after five years, and by then it cannot be cured. The public needs to be more aware. When I ask some people if they are using the salt, they ask, “Me? I do not have ‘big foot.’” This is just a display of total ignorance. Other people say that the supermarkets they go to do not have that type of salt in stock.
I would strongly suggest that the Health Ministry seriously consider more public awareness on DEC salt. There should also be nationwide distributors of DEC salt. I do not see why anyone should be unwilling to use DEC Salt. If they are serious about their health, they should surrender their so-called pride and `get on the bus’ Buy DEC salt, Use DEC salt, Share this information with your family and friends.
Yours faithfully,
Mariah McPherson
