Health

Statement From The Ministry Of Health And Wellness On The Local COVID-19 Variant Testing

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. the Most Honourable Kenneth George, recently expressed the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ commitment to implementing local variant testing as the incidence of respiratory illness was increasing. At the time, the Chief Medical Officer indicated that Influenza A and B and COVID-19 were among the circulating viruses. He also stated that the Best dos Santos Public Health Laboratory had the capacity to test for many of the new respiratory viruses and strains of COVID-19 that were in circulation.

In this regard, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is informing the public that test results have revealed the newest strain of COVID-19, the JN1 (a sub-variant of Omicron) has been detected. The public is reminded that although COVID-19 is no longer a disease of international public health concern, transmission of the virus has not stopped. Therefore, the Ministry continues to test and monitor for COVID-19 strains and report to public as necessary.

The Chief Medical Officer emphasised that the mask mandate has not been reintroduced. However, the usual precautionary measures for preventing the spread of respiratory illness should be taken into consideration, particularly by vulnerable persons such as the elderly, pregnant women and persons living with chronic non-communicable diseases. In these situations, frequent hand washing, respiratory etiquette and wearing of masks are proven methods to reduce transmission.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness reassures the public of its intention to remain steadfast in its efforts to advise on COVID-19 developments, as it remains dedicated to safeguarding public health. (PR/GIS)

Health

Health Ministry Confirms Oropouche Virus Cases In Barbados

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed two adult cases of the Oropouche virus disease (OROV) in Barbados.

OROV, which circulates in Central and South America and the Caribbean, can be transmitted to humans through bites from midges (commonly known as sand flies) and certain Culex mosquitoes, both commonly found in bushy areas and stagnant water.

Symptoms of the Oropouche virus disease are similar to other mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. They may begin four to eight days after being bitten by an infected insect and include sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, joint pain and stiffness, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.

While most individuals recover within seven days, some may remain ill for weeks. There is no specific treatment for OROV, but infected persons can be treated for their symptoms. Pregnant women are advised to take extra precautions.

The Ministry advises the public to adopt protective measures against mosquito and insect bites to prevent contracting OROV. These measures include:

Using insect screens and repellents.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially from dusk to dawn when the vectors are most active.
Eliminating areas of stagnant water around properties to prevent mosquito breeding.

Particularly during periods of heavy rain, the public is urged to search their homes and discard any stagnant water that may accumulate in empty containers.

The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding public health and will continue to monitor the situation closely. (PR/GIS)

Health

WORLD AIDS DAY – TODAY DECEMBER 1

Today December 1st is World AIDS Day. Under the Theme ‘Take the right path: My health my right’ the World Health Organisation, (WHO) calls for and reminds the global community that the world can end AIDS if everyone’s rights are protected.

Join the movement to address the inequalities that hinder progress in the fight.