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Cristina Mitchell

9 Jul 2025

A primary school in Christ Church was abruptly closed on Tuesday after a seven-year-old pupil was admitted to intensive care with a suspected infectious illness, leaving parents and teachers demanding answers.

The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has confirmed that a pupil of Gordon Walters Primary School, in St Patrick’s, was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit, and at least six of his 11 classmates have also fallen ill, with high fever the most common symptom reported. 

Teachers are now calling on health authorities to provide answers, as investigations continue into the child’s condition and the cause of the cluster of student absences.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Education said the decision to close the school was made “out of caution for the health and safety of its staff and students” after being notified by the Principal of the hospital admission.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY at the school, BUT Vice-President Julian Pierre, who chairs the union’s health and safety committee, said the incident had left staff deeply concerned.

“There are a number of students in a particular class – I think the class has 12 students – where about seven of the students are out sick. The general symptom of that class, as reported, was high fever,” he disclosed.

“There are also students from other classes who are absent, reasons being unknown. Similar to the case at St Bernard’s Primary School, the staff is concerned as to what it possibly could be.”

Pierre noted that no official diagnosis had yet been made regarding the child in hospital.

“There has been a report or confirmation from the Chief Medical Officer that there are no cases of scarlet fever,” he said.

News of the hospitalisation began circulating on Monday night, and teachers met with the Principal the following morning. Many expressed discomfort about continuing classes given the uncertainty and the child’s condition.

“Teachers said they were uncomfortable. The level of anxiety was high, especially after what happened at St Bernard’s and the fact that this child had to be hospitalised,” Pierre said. “They’re worried it could be a highly contagious disease.”

The education ministry said in its statement: “The Principal of Gordon Walters Primary conducted a staff briefing this morning to update staff on the student’s welfare. Some teachers communicated feelings of discomfort to the Principal, and choosing to err on the side of caution, [the ministry] closed the school at 11:35 a.m.”

The Ministry of Health was actively investigating the symptoms and circumstances surrounding the child’s admission, the ministry said. 

“As per protocols and best practices, the immediate contacts have been identified and are being appropriately managed,” the statement added.

Despite those assurances, Pierre said the mood among teachers remained tense.

The situation comes just a week after St Bernard’s Primary in St Joseph was forced to close for two days. Several students fell ill at that school, prompting industrial cleaning and a full inspection by health officials. While scarlet fever was ruled out in that instance, two isolated cases of hand, foot and mouth disease were suspected. However, some staff remain unconvinced.

Now, teachers at Gordon Walters are demanding greater transparency from health authorities. Pierre insisted that parents, staff, and the public deserve clear communication.

“There has to be some level of transparency in that if the health officials say it is not a particular thing, there has to be some confirmation to the public as to what it is. This is about the safety of children and those who teach them,” Pierre said. “We need clear, timely information and swift action to prevent panic and protect everyone involved.”

As investigations continue, the BUT is urging parents to be extra cautious.

“We’re asking parents during this time to be vigilant as to the status of their children,” Pierre advised. “Check their skin and so on, make sure that they’re feeling fine. You know that within the school environment, there are many different viruses and bacteria that will pass throughout the school year.

“If you see anything that is irregular, seek medical attention… hopefully it is something that can be treated as soon as possible so there is no further spread of whatever it is that the child may be experiencing.”

The Ministry of Educational Transformation has confirmed that Gordon Walters Primary will remain closed until further notice, pending the outcome of medical investigations and a joint decision with the Ministry of Health.

The current school term ends on Thursday for students.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

The post Classes suspended at Gordon Walters Primary after child hospitalised, others fall ill appeared first on Barbados Today.

View the full post Bermuda mulling digital healthcare collaboration with Grenada on NOW Grenada.

Research developments in Alzheimer’s disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner.

As the common dementia has been on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease.

Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer’s risk and management.

FIRST BLOOD TEST FOR ALZHEIMER'S DIAGNOSIS CLEARED BY FDA

"Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s."

"It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind."

Amen, who also authored the book "Preventing Alzheimer’s," confirmed that half of Alzheimer’s cases are preventable, according to recent findings.

This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said.

To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows.

Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the doctor.

Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided.

To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you’re late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking.

"Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. 

Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer’s risk, Amen said.

'I'M A NEUROLOGIST — HERE'S WHY DEMENTIA IS RISING AND HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK’

He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy.

Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease.

Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor.

"Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call."

The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program.

STROKE, DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION SHARE THESE 17 PREVENTABLE RISK FACTORS

"I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life."

Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided.

"Don't text and drive," he warned.

Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health.

But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned.

"You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol."

Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect.

The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool.

"The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated.

A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree.

"Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised.

Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen.

The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system.

The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer’s risk.

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"Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned.

"You really want to care about your weight," Amen said.

Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases.

"Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said.

"Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night’s slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted.

Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer’s. 

Titusville: Johnson & Johnson has submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based upon long-term data evaluating the safety and efficacy of CAPLYTA (lumateperone) for the prevention of relapse in schizophrenia.

CAPLYTA is the newest addition to Johnson & Johnson’s portfolio of schizophrenia therapies, which now offers the broadest range of oral and long-acting injectable treatment options.

“For people living with schizophrenia, relapses can be devastating as they disrupt lives, undo hard-earned treatment progress toward patients’ goals, and increase the risk of hospitalization with each episode,” said Christoph U. Correll, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York. “CAPLYTA substantially lowers the chance of relapse for patients compared to placebo, which is often a major source of anxiety and suffering for them and their families.”

The submission is supported by positive results from a Phase 3, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal trial, which on the primary endpoint found time to relapse during the 26-week double-blind treatment phase was significantly longer in patients receiving CAPLYTA compared to those receiving placebo (p=0.0002). Treatment with CAPLYTA was also associated with a 63 percent reduction in risk of relapse versus placebo (hazard ratio [95% CI] = 0.37, [0.22, 0.65]). The key secondary endpoint showed a significantly delayed time to all-cause discontinuation, including relapse, compared with placebo during the double-blind phase (p=0.0007). The safety profile of CAPLYTA was consistent with the existing body of clinical data, and no new safety concerns were identified. The most commonly reported adverse event that was observed at a rate greater than or equal to 5% and twice the rate of placebo was headache.

Schizophrenia affects up to an estimated 2.8 million adults in the United States, yet it remains insufficiently treated, with approximately 40 percent of people not receiving care. When left untreated, this complex mental health disorder can lead to episodes of psychosis, hallucinations, or other disruptive behaviors, which can damage and interrupt the lives of those living with schizophrenia as well as their loved ones. Relapses, or a recurrence of symptoms, are associated with significant functional decline, increased caregiver burden, and a greater likelihood of hospitalization. On average, an adult with schizophrenia experiences nine relapses in less than six years.

“Relapse prevention is a critical goal for the long-term care and management of this debilitating disorder,” said Bill Martin, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “These Phase 3 results provide compelling evidence of meaningful relapse prevention, which is critical in preserving long-term patient stability, breaking the cycle of hospitalization, and helping to control symptom progression. We’re committed to building on the decade of research reinforcing the robust efficacy, proven safety, and favorable tolerability of CAPLYTA and providing additional data to support the long-term use of this medicine in neuropsychiatric disorders.”

While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, CAPLYTA is characterized by high serotonin 5-HT2A receptor occupancy and lower amounts of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy at therapeutic doses. In short-term clinical studies, CAPLYTA was similar to placebo in weight change, metabolic effects, and extrapyramidal symptoms, which are often cited as reasons for treatment discontinuation. CAPLYTA can be taken at any time of day with or without food and does not require titration, allowing adult patients to start treatment at the effective dose.

CAPLYTA is FDA approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, as well as depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder in adults, as monotherapy, and as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. An sNDA for CAPLYTA as an adjunctive treatment for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) is currently under FDA review. If approved, CAPLYTA has the potential to become a new standard of care to treat some of today’s most prevalent and debilitating mental health disorders.

THERE ARE many diets that people will attempt or complete in their quest to lose weight. Some persons might go for low-calorie or reduce the amount of food that they consume within a 24-hour period. Other people may choose low-carb diets, including...