The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory has reported an increase in positive samples for dengue fever in Barbados.

As a result, health officials are urging Barbadians to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus, which is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

The laboratory indicated that five positive cases of dengue – three cases of Type 2 and two cases of Type 3 were recorded in August. Additionally, four positive cases of the virus – two cases each of Type 2 and Type 3 – were recorded, so far, for September.

This profile is somewhat different from earlier this year, when Types 1 and 3 were the main strains circulating. However, the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory reported that these results were in keeping with the strains that are currently circulating in the Americas.

In light of the increase in cases, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George, encourages members of the public to report mosquito sightings to the Environmental Health Departments at the polyclinics nearest to them.

“Once those reports are received, the environmental health officers will go out to those districts and carry out investigations,” he said.

The Ministry currently conducts fogging in “problem areas” where it receives several reports about mosquito breeding.

The CMO noted that the likelihood of severe dengue is increased when there are multiple strains of the virus circulating.  He added that severe dengue can include shock syndromes and hemorrhaging.

The Ministry reminded health providers to remain vigilant for the warning signs of severe dengue, which usually occur after the fever has subsided and may include, severe abdominal pain and signs of bleeding, for example, from the gums.

“In addition, all unexplained fevers with accompanying headaches, muscle pains or rash should be reported to your primary care physician. The Best-dos Santos Public Health Lab remains on alert. It is, at this time, able to process excess samples,” Dr George explained.

He pointed out that while the Ministry of Health and Wellness remained committed to reducing the mosquito burden in the country, it could not do it alone and needed the public’s cooperation.

The Chief Medical Officer advised Barbadians to check water they have stored and indoor plants regularly for mosquito larvae, and change the water in the overflow dishes of plant pots every three to four days.

He further suggested that persons wear mosquito repellent during peak biting times – dusk and dawn; wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing; and inspect old tyres for water collection and drain them, once necessary.

Mosquito nets should also be used over infant beds, carriers, cribs and strollers; and window and door screens should be installed to keep out mosquitoes.

The Ministry encourages health providers to send samples from persons suspected of having dengue to the public health lab for definitive diagnosis and typing of the specific dengue strains.

(BGIS)

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Emphasis will be placed on four parishes this week when the Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness continues its fogging exercise.

The programme starts in St Michael on Monday, December 4, with fogging at Lower Burney, Cutting Road, Mount Friendship Road and the environs.

On Tuesday, December 5, the team will journey to St Joseph, where Horse Hill, Orange Cottage, Vaughns Road 1, 2 and 3, Easy Hall, Bowling Alley Hill and the environs will be sprayed.

The following day, Wednesday December 6, attention will shift to St Philip where fogging will occur at Hill Drive, Apple Hall, Bottom Bay Road, Terrace Drive, Bottom Drive, Bay Drive, Ocean Drive and the environs.

On Thursday, December 7, the team will spray the St James districts of Jamestown Park, First and Second Street, Cherry Ave., Frangipani Row, Carnation Row, Orchid Row, Oleander Row and environs.

Fogging culminates on Friday, December 8, with a return to St Michael. The areas to be visited are Bank Hall, Dash Gap with Avenues, Quarry Road, Industry Road, Kew Road and the surrounding districts.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., daily.

Householders are asked to assist in the control of the aedes aegypti mosquito and are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Persons with respiratory problems are asked to protect themselves from inhaling the spray.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control.  In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected as soon as possible.

(PR)

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There will be no fogging on Independence Day, Thursday, November 30.

However, several districts in St Philip and St Michael will be targeted when the Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness carries out its fogging exercise, this week.

On Monday, November 27, the team will be in St Philip in the following areas: Eastbourne #1, Mill Road, Well House, Casuarina Estate and the environs.

The next day, Tuesday, November 28, emphasis will be on the St Michael districts of Lower Burney, Cutting Road, Mount Friendship Road and the environs.

Fogging will occur again in St Michael on Wednesday, November 29. The areas to be sprayed are: Henry Durant Road, Friendship Terrace, Lowland Drive, Mahaica, Storey Gap and the environs.

The exercise will conclude for the week on Friday, December 1, in the St Michael areas of Butlers Avenue, Paradise Road, Chapel Gap, Pioneer Road, Lower Civilian Road, Bush Hall Yard Gap, Ellis Road, Stadium Road and the environs.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Persons with respiratory problems are asked to protect themselves from inhaling the spray.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to affected communities as soon as possible.

(PR)

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When the Ministry of Health and Wellness continues its fogging programme this week, emphasis will be on St George and St Michael.

On Monday, November 20, the team from the Vector Control Unit will make its first stop in St George where fogging will occur at Waverley Cot Road, Ellerton Gardens, Waverley Cot and the environs.

A return to that parish on Tuesday November 21, will see fogging at Ellerton Road, Walker Road, Ellerton, Blenman Road, Sargeant Road and the environs.

The following day, Wednesday, November 22, the St George districts of Flat Rock, Flat Rock Tenantry, Locust Hall #1, Mayfield Road, and environs will be sprayed.

Fogging moves to St Michael on Thursday, November 23. Areas to be sprayed are: Jackmans, Lears Road, Skeete’s Road, Tamarind Road, Avocado Avenue, Cherry Avenue, Lower Estate Heights, Friendship, Lears Drive, Clarke’s Road and the environs.

The fogging programme culminates on Friday, November 24, in the St Michael districts of Stanmore Crescent, Stanmore Terrace, Ellerslie School Road, Goddard’s Road, Golden Acres, and the environs.

Fogging of districts will run from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., each day. Householders are asked to assist in the control of the aedes aegypti mosquito by opening all windows and doors to allow the fog to enter. Persons with respiratory problems are asked to protect themselves from inhaling the spray.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to affected communities as soon as possible.

(PR)

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Better communication between the island’s numerous health-care providers is required to improve the quality and administration of patient care.

This was the view shared by Ian Weithers, President of the Barbados Association of Radiographers, as he spoke to media personnel during Saturday’s opening ceremony for the Barbados Association of Radiographers and the Barbados Health Information Management Conference 2023. The conference was held at the O2 Beach Club and Spa, Dover Beach, Christ Church.

Weithers said COVID-19 was an eye-opening experience for the medical community, with access to patient information and other data proving challenging despite the need for it.

“In the past, everyone managed their own information, and sometimes it would be difficult when one is dealing with patient records and information to get information from another area. With the advancement of technologies we are now beginning to share information a whole lot better, which obviously means better management of patient care,” Weithers said.

“There are still a lot of gaps in information sharing. A lot of gaps for instance in care, the continuum of care. We need to get that better if patients are supposed to be better treated, and we get success with all of the other things that we are doing.”

Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Sonia Browne, also shared similar sentiments, stating that Government and medical organisations need to work together to remove data silos and other inefficiencies within the system to better improve patient care.

“Images of disparities in access, inefficiencies in the provision of care, and absence of supporting quality mechanisms, compartmentalisation of care does not allow for the provision of services from the systems perspective. It breeds inefficiencies in the use of resources and maximisation of funds,” Browne said.

“Additionally, the health-care industry has long been grappling with the challenge of hidden data silos; these data silos make it more difficult for organisations and health-care professionals to exchange information smoothly, which impedes care coordination and ultimately affects patient outcomes.”

Government and medical organisations work together to remove data silos and other inefficiencies within the system to better improve patient care, Bowne said.

She also revealed that the Ministry of Health and Wellness in 2022, with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) did an assessment of Barbados’ Information Systems for Health (IS4H), to develop a short and medium term work plan for the national level. Findings from this assessment will be used in short order to better streamline a number of services on the island.

(SB)

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The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue its mosquito eradication efforts this week in the parishes of St Lucy, St Peter, and St Michael.

Fogging will commence on Monday, November 6, in the following St Lucy districts – Maycocks Terrace, Checker Hall Development, Friendly Hall, Husbands Road, Harrisons and environs.

The team will return to St Lucy, on Tuesday, November 7, to fog Clinketts Gardens, Sutherland Road, Fustic Village, Checker Hall Road, Half Moon Fort, Colleton Gardens, Shermans, and surrounding areas.

The Unit will turn its attention to communities in St Peter on Wednesday, November 8, when they visit Six Men’s Development, Colleton Gardens, Retreat Road, and Port St Charles.

The following day, Thursday, November 9, Heywoods Development and Golden Mile, also in St Peter, will be targeted for fogging.

Fogging for the week will conclude on Friday, November 10, when some areas in St Michael will be sprayed, including Free Hill with avenues, Rock Road, Connell Road, Free Hill Crescent, and neighbouring districts.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time.

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The Accident and Emergency Department is again experiencing a surge in the number of patients presenting for treatment with various medical complaints. At 11am today November 1st, 2023, approximately 50 patients were waiting to be seen by our medical team.

The peak in numbers has led to some patients experiencing increased wait times in the department. For further information or advice on if you need to present to the Accident and Emergency Department with your medical complaint, please call our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800 using regular or whatsapp calls from 9am to 12 midnight during this surge.

You also have the option of visiting the 24-hour Winston Scott Polyclinic at Jemmotts Lane, St. Michael for treatment or your private General Practitioner.

If you present to the AED with medical conditions which are not deemed life-threatening or an emergency, it is possible you may experience an extended wait.

Life-threatening conditions, under the Accident and Emergency’s Triage System will continue to be seen and treated immediately. These include patients who for example, have life, limb or sight threatening complaints, gunshot wounds, heart attacks, active seizure activity or a patient who needs resuscitation.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will continue to provide updates as we work to reduce extended waiting times and offer the best possible care and treatment in the Accident and Emergency Department

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Health professionals in the Caribbean are urging women to seek early testing for breast cancer, as recent data reveals a troubling increase in diagnoses among women between the ages of 30 and 39.

During a recent webinar titled ‘Join the Fight: A conversation about breast cancer,’ organized by Sagicor Life, a Primary Care Physician from St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Kesiha Liddie, issued a stark warning about the shifting landscape of breast cancer diagnoses over the past five to six years.

“The important thing is to become aware very early,” Dr Liddie said. She noted that while breast cancer diagnoses have historically been associated with older age and a higher incidence in females compared to males, there is a growing trend of breast cancer being detected in younger women.

Data from St Kitts underscored this concerning trend. Dr Liddie shared statistics indicating that the country reported 36 cases this year within the age group of 50 to 59 and 23 cases in ages 40 to 49. There were no cases found under the age of 30.

However, there were 14 cases diagnosed in women aged 30 to 39, marking a significant increase in diagnoses among younger women compared to previous years when the majority of cases occurred in women aged 50 and above.

Dr Asante Le Blanc, Chairperson of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, delved into potential risk factors beyond age that might be contributing to the rising number of cases among younger women. She emphasized that while family history and lifestyle choices may be influential, environmental factors, including climate change, were also playing a significant role in the escalating cancer incidence. 

Furthermore, Dr Le Blanc stressed the importance of awareness and vigilance, both personally and professionally, highlighting risks associated with the prolonged use of birth control and exposure to carcinogens, formaldehyde, and radiation in certain occupations and lifestyles. 

She pointed out that the rise in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women, while concerning, reflects an increased awareness of the disease and underscores the need for preventive measures.

“Screening for breast cancer is a very holistic programme and that means from our young age of puberty, we need to teach young girls about their breasts and how to do self-breast examinations because it aids in terms of you understanding what your breasts feel like on a monthly basis before even having to do a clinical breast exam,” Le Blanc said.

“So, from a young age, if you understand what your breasts feel like, when you’re 30 and feel something different, you won’t have to wonder and wait, you can go to your doctor and say something is different because you know what your breasts have been feeling like over the years … and that allows for earlier diagnosis and therefore early detection and therefore better survivorship.”

The webinar also featured personal stories from two panelists, Tonya Byer, a digital communications specialist from Barbados, and Nurse and Counselor Emalda Benjamin from Antigua and Barbuda.

Byer shared her diagnosis experience at the age of 38, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and prompt medical attention when faced with unexplained weight loss during breastfeeding.

In contrast, Benjamin initially dismissed a lump she felt in 2017 but sought medical help during a routine physical examination at the age of 50, which led to her breast cancer diagnosis.

Dr Liddie reflected on these personal stories, acknowledging that the lifestyle of the current generation has significantly evolved compared to previous generations. She underscored that breast cancer is an individualized disease, presenting differently for each person.

Dr Liddie stated that risk factors such as early menarche, late menopause, not having children, having a first child after the age of 30, and choosing not to breastfeed, all increase the likelihood of breast cancer.

Breast cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women in the Caribbean region. As awareness about the disease continues to grow, participants in the webinar pointed to the critical need to build robust support communities for those affected by breast cancer.

Dr Le Blanc therefore encouraged patients to connect with survivor networks, highlighting the significant advancements in cancer treatment in recent years.

Concluding her remarks, Dr Blanc noted, “You’re going to have tough days, you’re going to have good days, but that’s where your support network comes into play, and though it might seem daunting, there have been remarkable strides in cancer treatment on the whole.”

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A mammogram is a radiographic image of the breast. Regular mammograms have the ability to detect breast cancer in its early stages, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.

When you go for your mammogram, initially, you’ll position yourself in front of an X-ray machine, where a radiologist will place one of your breasts on a plastic plate. Another plate will then gently compress your breast from above, keeping it steady while the X-ray is taken.

You may experience some pressure. Subsequently, the same procedure will be carried out for the other breast. Finally, you’ll wait while the radiologist reviews the X-rays to ensure that they don’t need to be retaken before you receive your results.

It is important to note that each woman’s mammogram may look a little different due to the unique characteristics of each individual’s breast. Contact Diagnostic Radiology at 432-7099 or office@diagnosticbarbados.com to book your appointment.

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A medical practitioner says the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) needs to hire additional anesthesiologists to meet the demands that can only be executed by physicians trained in that speciality area.

Speaking to members of the media at a World Anaesthesia Day Symposium in the QEH Auditorium on Monday, consultant anesthesiologist Dr Keisha Thomas-Gibson said more anesthesiologists were required to decrease the heavy workload in the Anaesthesia Department, as she noted that the duties of anesthesiologists go way beyond administering medication to put a patient to sleep before surgery and being there to wake them following the procedure.

Dr Thomas-Gibson, who is the Anesthesia Intensive Care programme coordinator for the University of the West Indies (UWI) undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, said because the anesthesiologist’s role stretches outside the operating theatre, more human resources are necessary to service all the other areas.

“Ninety-nine per cent of patients do not know that the anesthesiologist is with them throughout the surgery. They think that we give an injection and sometimes return to wake you up, or you wake up on your own, and that is absolutely not the case. We are the intraoperative, the surgeon cuts, and we do everything else. 

“So it is a situation where, of course, we need human resources, we need persons, we need staff to be able to execute all of the different roles that we have and the speciality of anaesthesia. Because we are finding ourselves in so many other parts of the hospital, we need staff to be able to service all those areas that we are required to service,” she said.

Adding that an extensive list of highly specialised surgeries is performed in Barbados, Dr Thomas-Gibson said that, at times, anesthesiologists have to push other cases aside to be able to provide the service to that speciality case.

“So the backlogs can’t be addressed by us alone. We are here every single day, and we only do what is presented up until a particular time within here and obvious limitations,” she said.

During her presentation, Dr Thomas-Gibson stressed that the safety record at the hospital is “exceptional”.

She commended the partnership between UWI and the QEH, where doctors are receiving specialised training to become anesthesiologists. (AH)

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