ATLANTA, USA – The US Food and Drug Administration on October 7, granted marketing authorization for the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test.
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The test, authorized for use without a prescription, is for use by individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms and uses a nasal swab sample to deliver at-home results in approximately 15 minutes for COVID-19 and influenza (flu). The test detects proteins from both SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and influenza A and B (the viruses that causes flu).
This is the first over-the-counter (OTC) test that can detect influenza to be granted marketing authorization using a traditional premarket review pathway, which enables the test to be marketed in the absence of an applicable emergency use declaration. Other OTC flu/COVID tests are currently available under emergency use authorization.
“As we enter this year’s annual flu season with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 on many of our minds, our ability to detect these pathogens effectively and efficiently can be impactful on our daily lives. Today’s authorization expands the options for individuals with respiratory symptoms to receive information about their health from the comfort of their home,” said Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The FDA continues to take actions that support the development and availability of at-home tests for a variety of medical conditions.”
The test is for use by individuals 14 years or older taking and testing their own sample, or individuals 2 years and older with a sample taken and tested by an adult. The FDA reviewed data from a study of individuals with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza, which showed that this test correctly identified 99 percent of negative and 92 percent of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, 99.9 percent of negative Flu A and B samples, and 92.5 percent and 90.5 percent of positive Flu A and Flu B samples, respectively.
Validation data for the test was gathered through the Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP), a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx®) Tech program, in collaboration with the FDA. ITAP was launched in 2021 to accelerate test evaluation to support the FDA’s regulatory review and the availability of high-quality, accurate and reliable diagnostic tests to the public.
As with all rapid antigen tests, which generally have lower sensitivity than molecular tests, there is a risk of false negative test results. Individuals who test negative and continue to experience symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath may still have SARS-CoV-2, flu or another respiratory infection and should seek follow up care with their health care provider. Individuals who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 or flu should take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading the virus and should seek follow-up care with their physician or health care provider.
Along with this De Novo authorization, the FDA is establishing criteria called special controls that define the requirements related to labeling and performance testing. When met, the special controls, in combination with general controls, provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for tests of this type. This action also creates a new regulatory classification, which means that subsequent devices of the same type with the same intended use may go through the FDA’s less burdensome 510(k) pathway, whereby additional devices can obtain marketing clearance by demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device.
HCC will be spotlighting Caribbean NCD leaders leading up to the 4th UN High Level Meeting on NCDs (HLM4) to be held during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
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HCC will be spotlighting Caribbean NCD leaders leading up to the 4th UN High Level Meeting on NCDs (HLM4) to be held during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
The HLM4 is a global milestone and stocktaking moment for the international NCD Community to pause and reflect on where we are and what needs to be done to accelerate action as we move towards achieving the 2030 SDGs.
Under the umbrella of the NCD Alliance, the global NCD civil society community will be galvanising over the next 12 months under the banner – Time to Lead. The NCDA Global Week of Action, 15-22 October 2024, will kick off this global campaign which calls on leaders worldwide to step forward and champion efforts to reduce the impact of NCDs on communities.
Despite uneven NCD progress regionally and globally, CARICOM has and continues to show tremendous leadership. Individuals and organisations have stepped up and shown bold unwavering leadership in their communities and countries.
As we look towards the HLM4, uniting around the theme – TIME TO LEAD, the HCC is seeking to recognise and showcase NCD champions – individuals and organisations who have shown exemplary leadership in NCD prevention and control in the Caribbean.
We are inviting our constituents to submit nominations of Caribbean NCD Leaders – individuals and organisations who you believe should be celebrated for their acts – small or large – which have changed the trajectory of the NCD response in your communities or countries.
Who is eligible to be an HCC Caribbean NCD Leader? Individuals (representing civil society, academia and the public sector) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the Caribbean.
How do you nominate Caribbean NCD Leaders? Use the google form to nominate the names of Individuals (representing civil society, academia and the public sector) or Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
The google form includes a series of prompts including describing the reason you are nominating this person/organisation, 2-3 key contributions/achievements which merit recognition as a NCD Leader and submitting a quote from the nominee in response to this question: What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?
Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization is a non profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and communities through mentorship, youth development, and conflict resolution. Adults also receive individual motivational interviewing session where they gain self esteem and career goals to become more self sufficient. Many people can not afford therapy and they should not be deprived of that service. We all need someone who we can trust and be non judgemental to talk to.Read more
Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization Achievements
Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization (DCEO) stands at the forefront of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention, driving transformative change through innovative programs and personalized interventions. The organization’s targeted youth mentorship programs equip participants with critical life skills and knowledge, empowering them to embrace healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk of developing NCDs. Through comprehensive substance abuse counselling, DCEO addresses a leading risk factor for chronic illnesses, fostering recovery and overall wellness.
Additionally, DCEO integrates conflict resolution training to promote effective stress management, a cornerstone in preventing hypertension and related conditions. A cornerstone of its approach is Motivational Interviewing (MI), which supports individuals facing socioeconomic barriers in making sustainable lifestyle changes. By empowering participants to take ownership of their health decisions, MI significantly increases the likelihood of sustained improvements.
These initiatives underscore DCEO’s unwavering dedication to building healthier, more resilient communities while bridging the gap in health equity.
What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?
Addressing socioeconomic inequalities: Lower income populations often face higher NCD risk due to limited access to healthy food, health care, and safe space for exercise. Policies that address these inequalities such as subsidies for healthy food, health education in schools .
Data collection and monitoring is also needed, there is a need for accurate and up to date health data.
Priscilla Prevost
Mrs. Priscilla Prevost, a Family Nurse Practitioner, has been a champion for NCD prevention and management since 1990.
Her prominence as a health professional in Dominica is evidenced by her passion for the wellbeing of people as she advocates for and provides services across the Public, Private and Civil Society sectors. She has worked tirelessly from 1990 when she coordinated the first health expo in Dominica in collaboration with ADRA to present as she conducts screening, self-management training and food demonstrations within communities and schools on the island.
Read moreNurse Prevost connects with the wider population with a weekly radio Healthy Living Broadcast and Morning Breakfast Show along with health tips five days per alternate week.
She is a strong supporter of Dominica Diabetes Association and the Dominica Cancer Society and serves as Health Director for the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Adventists for Barbados and Dominica.
Priscilla Prevost Achievements
In 1995, Mrs Prevost conducted a six-week programme titled “Lifestyle Intervention for Chronic Disease” in all the communities within the St. Joseph Health District. For this she received a nutrition award from CFNI (Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute)
In 2001 she launched the Healthy Lifestyle and corporate Wellness Services, a private business aimed to identify and reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
1n 2003 she began an employee wellness programme with utility companies and banks in Dominica. Where 75-80% of staff were screened annually until 2017. The companies concerned attributed a decrease in absenteeism and increased staff morale as positive outcomes of the programme.
What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?
At the 75th World Assembly in 2022 member states adopted new recommendations for prevention and management of obesity and endorsed the WHO accelerated plan to stop obesity (WHO,2022).
Obesity, a disease as well as a risk factor, is one of the major contributing factors to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is noticeable that enough is not being done from a policy maker and also from a service delivery standpoint. I am therefore strongly recommending that accelerated action be taken to develop policies prohibiting the promotion and sale of unhealthy foods on and around school compounds and at school sponsored events.
Additionally, policies regarding the creation or allocation of safe spaces for physical activity in every community should be prioritized.
Abi Begho
Abi Begho is an inspirational leader in public health and the founder and director of Lake Health and Wellbeing, a public health NGO in St. Kitts and Nevis. Abi is a fearless advocate who has amplified the voices of vulnerable groups, ensuring they are heard and supported. Among her many accomplishments, she: spearheaded the SKN Disability Working Group, advocating for greater inclusivity across all sectors, launched the EmpowHer program to empower women living with chronic diseases, and developed the Menstrual Health Education program to equip young girls with essential knowledge about their periods and how to identify signs of reproductive conditions such as fibroids.
Created the opportunity for the youth perspective to be integrated into the public health space through the Youth Health Advocates program.
Created the You’re Sweet Enough Campaign which has garnered local, regional, and international attention and awareness of the need for sugar-sweetened beverage policies, school nutrition policies, and front of package warning labels.
Spearheaded the creation of the St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance and its recent full membership with the global NCD Alliance.
What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritising to accelerate action on NCDs?
NCDs are the leading cause of death in the Caribbean, and urgent action is needed from CARICOM leaders. We urge our leaders to unite to accelerate the development and implementation of policies that focus on preventing, detecting, and managing NCDs. Prevention offers the greatest potential for impact, so we call on all CARICOM leaders to focus on healthy food policies, (such as SSB taxes, trans fat elimination, salt reduction and front-of-package labelling), promoting physical activity, tackling pollution and expanding NCD screening. Our leaders must make health a priority to avoid the premature loss of our loved ones from preventable NCDs.
Breast Friends
A very long time ago Carolyn Aziz had a dream. Long before the word Cancer was actually mentioned in polite conversation, she was afflicted with breast cancer. She advocated single handedly and brought others on board. She wanted to share her story so that others would understand that there was no shame in having Cancer and to let others know that fear could only kill.
At the time, it was a diagnosis associated with doom and gloom. She wanted to change that for Antiguans. She wanted to share a message of hope.
She continued as long as she could and laid the foundation. Then Ms. Bird joined the fight.
Read moreToday Breast Friends (Women in Touch ) has led the way. When no one was organizing talks about cancer, they were. When no one cared to care, they did. When there was little money to be made by the pharmaceutical world in this part of the world, Breast Friends walked, Breast Friends talked.
Breast Friends also helped neighbouring Anguilla and Montserrat. When politicians were not talking about Cancer but were lobbying for NCDs thanks to the Nassau and P.O.S declarations, Breast Friends were advocating.
So you see, for Breast Friends it wasn’t a fad, it wasn’t a fate, it wasn’t just an October month fashion. T’was a group of women along with their families helping to change the stereotype, one small step at a time.
What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?
Caricom leaders must prioritize the war on tobacco and Green spaces (safe and clean). Incentivize exercise in the workplace. Antigua has exercises in the 39ers Square at the Ministry of Health three times weekly for free. In Dominica, the public workday was made shorter to facilitate those who want to exercise.
Advertisements are needed to promote less alcohol abuse and encourage eating ground provisions and healthy foods as part of a healthy diet.
Stress and psychosocial determinants of Health must be taken more seriously.
Together we can, Together we will!
Professor Rohan Maharaj
Professor Maharaj is a beacon in research, medical education and scholarly research in the areas of NCDs, Alcohol reduction, Mental Health Issues and many others. He has contributed immensely during the last 20 years to the sensitisation and education of the population on the harmful effects of alcohol and has lobbied tirelessly for its regulation and control in order to reduce the burden on NCDs. He has provided yeoman clinical services in both the public and private sectors in relation to health promotion, NCD prevention and treatment of NCDs. He is currently an active member of the HCC and led the local efforts for the 2023 Caribbean Alcohol Reduction Day. He is on the cusp of publishing his latest book entitled Rum Songs and Other Alcohol Issues in the English Speaking Caribbean.
Prolific researcher on NCDs and other risk factors associated with NCDs
Principal Investigator of ECHORN- Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network
with NCD publications on Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and T2D diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean, Risk factors for household food insecurity in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network cohort study and Egocentric Health Networks and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the ECHORN Cohort Study.
Key actor in the quest for alcohol regulation locally and regionally.
What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?
Alcohol contributes to cardiovascular disease through its effect of elevating blood pressure, and pericardial disease among others; alcohol is a Class I carcinogen, alcohol contributes to breast, liver, and oropharyngeal cancers; alcohol contributes to mental health issues and is often a co-diagnosis to bipolar, personality and mood disorders. CARICOM and regional governments recognize the fact that alcohol contributes to NCDs. Yet there has been little effort to address this. The WHO recommends 3 ‘Best Buys’ (simple, acceptable, and cost-effective interventions) to tackle alcohol in under-resourced settings- 1. Ban the marketing and advertising of alcohol and its products; 2. Implement price measures, such as taxation, Minimum Unit Pricing, and linking alcohol prices to inflation; and 3. Addressing availability, such as hours of sale and outlet density.
CARICOM policymakers should be working in these areas to reduce the harmful impact of alcohol on our Caribbean communities.
Dr. Asante Le Blanc
Dr, LeBlanc is an exceptional and dedicated leader in public health. As the former Chairman and current Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, Dr. Le Blanc has led with vision and impact, steering initiatives focused on cancer prevention and education. Her commitment to public education has been pivotal in raising awareness about the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases, especially cancer. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to make a significant difference in empowering individuals and communities to make healthier choices for long-term well-being.
Dr. Asante Le Blanc merits recognition as an NCD Leader for her impactful work in two key areas. First, she spearheaded the implementation of an Anti-Smoking/Vaping Campaign in high schools nationwide, educating youth on the harmful effects of these habits. Her efforts aim to reduce the early adoption of smoking and vaping, fostering healthier future generations. Secondly, through the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, Dr. Le Blanc works closely with patients and survivors, empowering them to advocate for early detection. This initiative not only provides emotional support but also inspires others to undergo screening, promoting early diagnosis and better outcomes.
What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?
Dr. Asante Le Blanc merits recognition as an NCD Leader for her impactful work in two key areas. First, she spearheaded the implementation of an Anti-Smoking/Vaping Campaign in high schools nationwide, educating youth on the harmful effects of these habits. Her efforts aim to reduce the early adoption of smoking and vaping, fostering healthier future generations. Secondly, through the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, Dr. Le Blanc works closely with patients and survivors, empowering them to advocate for early detection. This initiative not only provides emotional support but also inspires others to undergo screening, promoting early diagnosis and better outcomes.
CARICOM policymakers should prioritize three key areas to accelerate action on NCDs;
Strengthening Public Education and Prevention Campaigns Greater emphasis is needed on awareness campaigns, particularly targeting youth, to promote healthy lifestyle choices and reduce risk factors such as smoking, vaping, poor nutrition, and inactivity.
Expanding Access to Screening and Early Detection Services Policymakers must invest in accessible, affordable screening programs to enable early diagnosis and timely intervention, improving health outcomes for chronic diseases like cancer.
Implementing Stronger Policy Frameworks and Regulations. This includes enacting stricter tobacco and sugary drink regulations, promoting healthy school environments, and ensuring that health policies are integrated across all sectors for a whole-of-society approach
A new study published in the journal of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism showed that the risk of getting new-onset diabetes is greatly increased in elderly people with hypertension and raised systolic blood pressure (SBP).
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Heart failure, stroke, and ischemic heart disease are among the serious cardiovascular events that are more likely to occur in people with type 2 diabetes. The association between blood pressure and the chance of developing diabetes with a recent beginning is less obvious, despite the fact that hypertension has long been acknowledged as a separate risk factor for both fatal and nonfatal vascular events. Thus, this study by Shanshan Li and colleagues was to investigate the relationship between blood pressure control, hypertension, and new-onset diabetes (NOD) in older Chinese people.
A total of 1380 participants of 60 years of age or older who were not previously diagnosed with diabetes in 2008 were included in a cohort analysis from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The evaluations were conducted again every 2 to 3 years. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression was used to examine the connection between hypertension, blood pressure variations, and NOD.
By 2018, 1278 individuals did not have diabetes, whereas 102 had the disease. At 3 years, the cumulative diabetes prevalence was 3.1%; at 10 years, it was 7.4%.
The prevalence of hypertension rose over the course of 10 years, from 20.9% at baseline to 41.0%, with greater rates observed in the ones who were later diagnosed with diabetes.
Age, gender, systolic blood pressure, and baseline hypertension were found to be independent predictors of NOD using multivariate analysis. Obesity and/or overweight elevated the risk of NOD substantially when paired with hypertension.
After assessing the blood pressure control of participants between 2008 and 2011, this study monitored the occurrence of diabetes from 2011 to 2018. The greatest risk group, the ones with an average SBP of 140 mmHg or greater, had an 8-fold increased chance of getting NOD when compared to the ones whose SBP was below 120 mmHg in 2008 and 2011.
There was no discernible difference in the risk between those with SBPs of 120-129.9 mmHg and those with SBPs of 130-139.9 mmHg. High SBP (≥ 130 mmHg) on a regular basis raised the risk of NOD.
Overall, gender, age, baseline hypertension, and blood pressure control were significant predictors of NOD. And so, keeping SBP continuously below 130 mmHg might be a useful tactic to lower the prevalence of NOD in the senior population as a whole.
Source:
Li, S., Yang, B., Shang, S., & Jiang, W. (2024). Association of hypertension and long‐term blood pressure changes with new‐onset diabetes in the elderly: A 10‐year cohort study. In Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15986
(Family Features) Colder weather brings a change in seasons and often an uptick in flu and COVID-19 cases. The viruses that cause COVID-19 and flu keep changing and infecting thousands of people each year, with older adults being most at…
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(Family Features) Colder weather brings a change in seasons and often an uptick in flu and COVID-19 cases. The viruses that cause COVID-19 and flu keep changing and infecting thousands of people each year, with older adults being most at…
Santo Domingo – An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus is affecting the Dominican population, especially young children, the elderly, and people with health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.
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Santo Domingo – An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus is affecting the Dominican population, especially young children, the elderly, and people with health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. This highly aggressive virus could cause hospitalizations in the most vulnerable groups.
This was reported to Diario Libre by Dr. Madelin Ventura Portorreal, perinatologist pediatrician, and clinical nutritionist, who has urged the population to take extreme precautions.
“It is essential to wear masks in public spaces, wash your hands frequently, and gargle with salt water when leaving and returning home,” she said. She also recommended avoiding touching your face with dirty hands and using disinfectant gel in the street.
To detect the virus, Portorreal suggested performing a short respiratory panel, which identifies syncytial viruses, COVID-19 and influenza A and B, available in clinical study laboratories. She explained that tests must be done within the first five days of respiratory symptoms.
Finally, the doctor asked not to send children with respiratory symptoms to schools to prevent contagion. “Prevention is key,” concluded Ventura Portorreal.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed one case of West Nile Virus in Barbados. Communication relative to this was issued in Surveillance Bulletin for week No. 38 dated September 27.
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The Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed one case of West Nile Virus in Barbados. Communication relative to this was issued in Surveillance Bulletin for week No. 38 dated September 27.
The Ministry wishes to assure the public that given the pattern of transmission and disease, there is little risk to the general population. With reference to the one confirmed case, the patient, an adolescent female, was diagnosed in September 2024, after presenting with symptoms including fever, headache, and body aches. She later developed encephalitis (infection of the brain). Initial testing for dengue fever and bacterial infections was negative, and further testing revealed the presence of antibodies consistent with West Nile Fever.
A study conducted in 2007 predicted that the disease/virus was likely to be detected in Barbados at some point in the future due to the presence of the Culex mosquito and migratory birds which carry the virus. Although the virus has been previously known to be in the Caribbean, with a recently confirmed case in Martinique, this is the first documented case of West Nile Virus in Barbados.
It is important to note that humans and horses infected with West Nile Virus do not transmit the virus to mosquitoes, therefore there is no risk of a widespread outbreak from this case.
West Nile Virus, is similar to Dengue, and is primarily transmitted from the infected migratory bird via the Culex mosquito. Other rare forms of transmission include mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, and through infected blood products or transplant material.
Infection with West Nile Virus generally causes mild illness, with approximately 80 per cent of cases being asymptomatic. It usually takes between two to six days for symptoms to show but can take up to 14 days. Around 20 per cent of infected individuals may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and a temporary rash. In rare cases, (fewer than 1 per cent) the virus may cause neurological infection with features such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Patients with a normal immune system, who have recovered from the virus should have lifelong protection from re-infection. However, they should refrain from donating blood for at least four months.
While there is currently no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, most individuals recover with supportive care, which include fluids, rest, and analgesia. However, individuals with suspected neurological symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, as complications like respiratory distress and seizures may occur.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to manage mosquito populations, including educating the public on avoiding mosquito bites. The Ministry will also continue its surveillance and testing for the West Nile Virus as a part of the normal testing protocol for mosquito-borne illnesses.
A single case of the potentially deadly mosquito-borne West Nile Virus (WNV) was recorded here last month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed, prompting the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) to warn people not to mistake the illness for dengue fever whose symptoms are similar.
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A single case of the potentially deadly mosquito-borne West Nile Virus (WNV) was recorded here last month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed, prompting the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) to warn people not to mistake the illness for dengue fever whose symptoms are similar.
BAMP president Dr Lynda Williams responded on Friday to the news revealed by the WHO of the island’s first confirmed human infection – in “a child less than 15 years old residing in Bagatelle, St Thomas” in mid-September.
The Ministry of Health had not communicated the discovery to the Barbadian public, but the WHO disclosed on Thursday that the ministry, the International Health Regulations National Focal Point, had notified of the case last month, after receiving the test results on the child who took ill in June.
The child began experiencing symptoms on June 10, including headache, fever, vomiting, neck pain, and knee pain, the WHO reported. A dengue fever test on June 14 was negative. The patient was admitted to paediatric intensive care on June 16 with “worsening of signs and symptoms, including joint pain, abdominal pain, altered mental status, and slurred speech”.
Cerebrospinal fluid tests ruled out some bacterial and viral pathogens, but the child’s condition worsened, the WHO said. Blood samples sent to the Mayo Clinic on September 3 confirmed WNV antibodies (IgG) on September 14.
“The patient remains under care and is recovering,” WHO said.
West Nile virus is generally carried by migratory birds and transmitted by mosquitoes to humans, horses, and other mammals.
“This is the first human case of WNV infection detected in Barbados. Additionally, no infections have been previously documented in birds or horses in this country, making this case both unusual and unexpected,” it said.
According to the WHO, the patient reportedly visited a horse stable in February and “a beach frequented by horses” on June 8, two days before the onset of symptoms.
It said: “Although these exposures to horses were considered risk factors for WNV infection, the precise source of infection remains unspecified. No other suspected cases of [West Nile] were identified, but public health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, with birds as the natural hosts, and there is no evidence to suggest that the virus spreads easily between humans or from horses to mosquitoes. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people.
Urging vigilance, BAMP’s Dr Williams told Barbados TODAY: “I just want people to realise it is no more dangerous than dengue. In the same way, we must not assume that everything is dengue. That’s the point I want to get across. We must not assume that everything that looks like dengue is dengue, and doctors need to be made aware, and look out for the possibility that some things that seem to be dengue may not be.”
She explained that there are several other viruses circulating, besides WNV, with similar symptoms.
“Try hard to prevent mosquito bites,” the general practitioner advised. “It has the same sort of risk potential as other mosquito-borne illnesses. The difference, I think, with this one is because of the neurological complications, such as encephalitis and paralysis, there is a lot more concern. But the reality is that very, very, very few people who get West Nile Virus will end up with neurological complications.
“The actual numbers are that between 20 and 40 per cent will develop any symptoms, and less than one per cent will develop neurological complications. Although the potential exists, you just have to be aware that it is out there and be able to find out what is causing a person to have these dengue-like symptoms.”
The BAMP leader noted that many people who get dengue-like symptoms stay home and treat the illness themselves, rather than seek medical care.
“So that is why I am trying to get the word across: if you are really ill, have a high fever, muscle pain, and joint pain, don’t assume it is dengue. Go and get tested and confirm what has happened,” Dr Williams advised.
The WHO said that while WNV has spread in the Caribbean before, likely via infected migratory birds, no cases have been documented in birds or horses in Barbados.
However, it added, “It is possible that the virus is circulating in birds and horses undetected”.
“Despite this, the overall impact on public health remains limited at this stage, as there is currently only one recorded human case and appropriate public health response measures have been implemented. WHO considers the current risk from WNV as low but will continue to evaluate the epidemiological situation in Barbados.”
After confirmation of the single case, the WHO said, health authorities here conducted interviews with the patient’s parents to investigate risk factors such as exposure to animals known to carry WNV, recent travel history, and other relevant factors; and implemented ongoing epidemiological surveillance and testing to ensure no further cases are missed and to evaluate the potential risk of local transmission in the area.
Kolkata: A total of 16 departmental heads (HODs) of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) at Siliguri in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, on Friday, accused the principal of NBMCH Indrajit Saha of indulging in corrupt practices in the institute.
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The letter, a copy of which is available with IANS, signed by as many as 16 HODs of NBMCH has been forwarded to the state director of medical education.
The medical education director has been requested to immediately take action against Indrajit Saha.
As per the letter, following deputations submitted by the students and junior doctors of NBMCH last month on the irregularities there, an inquiry committee was constituted and in accordance with the unanimous decisions taken by the college council, a battery of stern administrative interventions came out in phases, including suspension of a few students, junior doctors along with removal of dean and assistant dean and lodging of FIR against the accused.
However, the letter added, although several allegations were raised against the principal, no action was initiated against him.
"As per the service hierarchy and provisions as laid down in existing norms, nothing could be recommended for future action against him by the local college council for obvious reasons. In the light of the above, we strongly urge upon your good office to seriously probe into the stated matter of concern and ensure appropriate administrative action within the arena of law," the letter written to the medical education director read.
The HODs have also argued that it is reasonably anticipated by many faculty members that if the principal is allowed to continue in the same capacity in the establishment, "the nefarious course of corruption and unhindered misdeeds will never see a desired pause or its actual end".
Saha, meanwhile, denied the allegations raised against him by the HODs. He also refused to offer any comments on the matter.
The development came at a time when the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, is currently facing investigation under corruption charges and also in connection with the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor on the premises of the state-run institute in Kolkata in August.
