The National Public Health Reference Laboratory is expected to have the capacity to conduct testing for the Zika virus and similar viruses before the end of the week, according to Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton.
This, comes several months after two senior medical technologists from the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, completed training at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad on operating equipment to test vector- borne diseases.
The technologists identified as Shameza Ally Sonaram and Johanna Vaughn, will be working along with a number of other specialist staff identified by the ministry, to perform specific duties in the completion of the tests.
In a previous interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Chief Medical Officer, Shamdeo Persaud, explained that the ministry 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,” Persaud said.
“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,” Persaud added.
However two months have elapsed since the Minister had spoken to Stabroek News about the plans to begin local testing for the Zika virus.
When asked about the reason for the delay, the Minister explained that although the two technologists had gone to Trinidad to undertake the training, the Ministry also had to source reagents for the tests and have the relevant machines calibrated.
Norton stated that the reagents have since been sourced and two medical personnel are currently in the country working on calibrating the machines.
Once this is complete, the lab will have the capacity to conduct the tests as in Trinidad and Suriname, the Minister said.
Zika is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is also a known vector for the transmission of the dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
Chief Medical Officer Persaud had previously described Zika as a very “mild infection” that can go unnoticed, as only one in four patients would develop some symptoms.
He noted that signs and symptoms of Zika are very similar to other febrile illnesses and include, or are associated with, headaches, joint and muscle pains, and conjunctivitis, while in some rare instances the virus may lead to neuromuscular problems as a sequel in adults.
The virus has been linked to a neurodevelopmental disorder known as Microcephaly in foetuses.
