Forty-three cases of Chikungunya in T&T

(Trinidad Express) Principal Medical Officer of Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Clive Tiluckdharry said 43 people have contracted ChikV, which is spread by the dreaded Aedes Aegypti mosquito. But he also said the exact number of cases will be confirmed on Monday. Asked to give an update yesterday, Dr Tiluckdharry said: “We have 43 confirmed ChikV cases. 42 here and one in Tobago. The exact number still needs to be confirmed. I will confirm it on Monday when I get into office.”
Meanwhile in a telephone interview with TV6 yesterday Health Minister, Dr Fuad Khan, said many of the large spraying machines are at VEMCOTT for repairs. He admits the situation is limiting the ministry’s ability to spray vast areas for mosquitoes. Khan said new machines need to be ordered but in the meantime, the ministry will hire five hundred people to walk through communities and spot spray smaller areas. As for irresponsible landowners, Khan said the process to track them down and compel them to cut their grass is too long. He advised regional corporations to clear the bush themselves, in the interest of public health.
Asked what advice he would impart to the population, Dr Tiluckdharry said it was important to adhere to the MoH advisory to remove exposed containers which attract the mosquitoes. He said: “With the onset of the rain, and the presence of any exposed container, the likelihood of the mosquito breeding can occur. The population needs to adhere to adhere to the MoH advisory to remove unwanted containers which can collect water. It is important to keep all barrels covered and water storage containers covered. Remove styrotex containers, old tyres and other containers from yards.” He also said “about 70 per cent of the breeding occurs in water drums throughout Trinidad.” He added: “There are certain localities where smaller containers like buckets and tubs to handwash clothes contribute to breeding sites for mosquitoes. It is important to keep unoccupied or vacant lots clean to avoid dumping of garbage and containers. Vacant lots need extra attention and this is where Local Government can step in an assist us.”
This comes on the heels of warnings by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) executive director Dr James Hospedales, earlier this week, that the Caribbean should brace for a “full impact” of the virus as almost all Caribbean countries have reported confirmed cases of the virus. The “full bloom” of the virus is yet to come, he said.