Published: June 11, 2010
Print
EmailThe Ministry of Health is advising that the outbreak of influenza-like illness at the Geriatric Hospital has been caused by "Respiratory Syncytial Virus" (RSV). It is the predominant cause of respiratory illnesses in young children and the elderly and is not related to the H1N1 virus. RSV has been the dominant respiratory virus isolated in Barbados this year.
Meanwhile, the restrictions to some areas of the Geriatric Hospital will remain in place. Visitors are reminded to follow the directions of staff and management and to continue to ensure proper hygiene practices, including washing their hands before and after visits to the institution. jgill@barbados.gov.bb
Published: March 25, 2010
Print
Email
In an effort to achieve full coverage of persons vaccinated against the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, staff at the Winston Scott Polyclinic will, this Saturday, March 27, conduct an immunisation campaign at DaCosta's Mall in Broad Street.
Published: March 12, 2010
Print
EmailPublished: March 2, 2010
Print
Email
Minister of Health, Donville Inniss
"A watershed moment" is how the new laboratory for testing Influenza A (H1N1) has been described by Health Minister, Donville Inniss.
Published: March 1, 2010
Print
EmailLaboratory strengthening has been considered critical to the development of this island's capacity to prepare for any pandemic outbreak.
This was a key point made by this island's Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Joy St. John, and supported by Chargé d'Affaires of the United States (US) Embassy, Dr. Brent Hardt. They were speaking recently at the launch of Barbados' Influenza Laboratory, at the Ladymeade Reference Unit in Jemmotts Lane.
Dr. St. John noted that health professionals had responded well in preparing and protecting Barbadians against Influenza A (H1N1), at the time of the declaration, but that the Ministry was, however, "unable to quickly confirm our cases, especially early in the pandemic".
She added: "While we received immense support for confirming our cases through the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre and the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), we were well aware that there was a need to have local capacity to test and confirm cases."
Lauding the opening of the new lab, the CMO said it represented "a culmination of a vision" and great effort by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the CDC, the Pan-American Health Organization and the Chronic Disease Research Centre of the University of the West Indies.
She concluded: "During any public health emergency, health officials must make urgent, often far reaching decisions in an atmosphere of considerable scientific uncertainty. However, with confirmed evidence through laboratory testing, we, as health officials can make informed real time decisions which will strengthen our management of this threat to Barbados."
Meanwhile, reflecting on statistics relating to Influenza A (H1N1) that saw 16,000 reported deaths worldwide, Dr. Hardt said these highlighted "the urgent need to put in place adequate epidemiologic monitoring tools that can provide timely and accurate data to support prevention, care and treatment of this pandemic."
The official acknowledged that the US government was pleased to work with its Barbadian counterpart to address this global challenge and disclosed that in the early stage and as a temporary measure, they had partnered with local health authorities "to ship the H1N1 reactive samples to the Influenza Branch at the Atlanta Georgia based CDC for confirmation".
"But to provide a more effective and a longer term response that would build permanent in-country capacity in diagnosing this virus, at the end, the CDC office purchased equipment reagents and consumables and assisted with the set up of the current H1N1 laboratory," he announced.
The cost of the equipment and supplies was estimated at US $58,000 and the US representatives explained, "It represents just the first step in a broader relationship between the United States government, all the governments in the region and regional health partners, aimed at supporting the establishment of coordinated health support structures that will continue to build in-country capacity towards long-term sustainability and ownership of these enhanced facilities." jgill@barbados.gov.bb
Published: January 22, 2010
Print
Email
Health Sister, Hazel Buckmire-Austin, administering the H1N1 vaccine to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John. (Image: Donnay Deane)
The Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine is here.
Published: January 22, 2010
Print
Email
A second wave of the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak locally can only be known when there are confirmed cases of the disease.
Published: November 6, 2009
Print
Email
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John (FP)
The number of persons seeking medical attention for influenza-like illnesses in Barbados has declined significantly over the past two weeks.
Published: November 2, 2009
Print
Email
Minister of Health, Donville Inniss
Nurses are currently preparing for the second wave of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, while also enhancing their knowledge and skills in the management of the pandemic.
Published: October 15, 2009
Print
Email
Dr. Joy St. John
The number of confirmed cases of influenza A H1N1 (2009) for Barbados now stands at 147, with a third death being recorded among infected persons.
| Next » |
| New Ambassadorial Appointments Announced |
| Ministry Of Education, BSTU Adressing Industrial Relations Issues At Alexandra School |
| National Help Programme Has Completed Over 200 Houses |
| Teachers Urged To Handle Hostile Parents With Diplomacy |
| Third Town Hall Meeting August 5 |
| Campers To Plant 20 Trees At Bath St. John Tomorrow |
| Over 50 Small Contractors Employed Through Coverley Project |
| Barbadians Urged To Support Women's Boxing Championships |
| HIV Intervention For Foreday Morning Jam |
| CQI Still High On Health Agenda |
