-officials largely unaware of the matter
The recent death of 22-year-old Karon Thompson from hemorrhagic dengue fever, has raised serious concerns about the response and preparedness of the Ministry of Health in addressing the surge of dengue cases across the country.
Stabroek News reached out to various health officials to ascertain what actions were being taken to combat the virus and the protective measures in place. However, officials were largely unaware of Thompson’s death and could not provide immediate answers.
Efforts to contact Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, were unsuccessful. However, Stabroek News managed to speak with Dr Leslie Ramsammy, the advisor to the minister, who admitted being out of town and unaware of the incident. Dr Ramsammy assured that an update would be forthcoming and expressed surprise that the ministry was not already informed, given that Thompson died at a public hospital. He opined that they should be aware by now since Stabroek News had published the story.
Further inquiries led to Region Four’s Regional Health Officer, Gavinash Persaud, who disclosed that awareness of Thompson’s death only came after Stabroek News visited the Diamond Diagnostic Centre on Friday. Persaud informed that the Ministry of Health officials are currently compiling and reviewing reports to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s case.
When pressed for details on the number of dengue cases reported in Region Four, Persaud stated he could not provide that information at the moment. The lack of immediate data and awareness of such a critical health incident underscores a significant communication breakdown within the Ministry of Health.
As dengue cases continue to surge, the ministry’s delayed response raises concerns about their readiness and transparency in handling public health crises. Commenters on the Stabroek News website shared their concerns given Thompson’s cause of death was being linked to the dengue outbreak. ‘Prakash12’ commented, “Dengue is life-threatening. I heard some parts of Guyana are getting fumigation, but I haven’t seen anyone responsible for the control of this pest in the Upper Corentyne area where I live. A friend was lately hospitalized at Skeldon Hospital after contracting the virus. I would very much like the MOH to look into this. I was told that some parts of the Corentyne got serviced, but no area should be left untreated.”
Another commenter under the username ‘Dr. Victor’ stated, “Unnecessary death, the minister of health is not on the ball this whole fish is rotting.”
On the Stabroek News Facebook page, many shared their condolences while others pointed out areas around the country that are experiencing an outbreak. Desiree Vanlewin commented, “There’s an outbreak right now in Charity.”
Thompson first became ill last year and had sought treatment following the spike in Dengue cases this year. According to his mother, Onika Thompson, on Wednesday, June 5, he complained of back pain and was vomiting uncontrollably. He was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre on Friday after she noticed that he was not getting any better. However she lamented that the treatment by the doctor and nurses were not in the slightest considerate, and after getting no results after a blood test done at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, she took him to the Woodlands Hospital where another blood test was done, that showed he was positive for dengue.
He was taken back home and placed on medication, but his condition continued to worsen. He was then taken to the Diamond hospital where he later died. His mother alleged that his death was due to the negligence of the doctor and nurses in providing proper care to her son after he was seen in and out of consciousness and unable to breathe. According to his mother it was only after he had passed out completely was he tended to and the doctors and nurses’ attempts at CPR failed.
