The Ministry of Health (MOH) is reporting a significant decrease in chickenpox cases at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara following a recent outbreak.
Currently there are 12 active cases due to the vaccination and treatment efforts spearheaded by the ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
About a week ago, there were 25 active cases alongside 28 individuals in recovery. Initially, the outbreak had affected a total of 53 inmates. However, no new cases have been detected.
This was confirmed by Advisor to the Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who explained that the situation is being effectively managed.
“It’s been going down significantly and over 300 of the prisoners and staff have been vaccinated against this disease… Among the measures we have taken is to provide antivirals to treat the patients, and also calamine lotion to help relieve the itching,” he explained.
When the initial cases were diagnosed, precautions were swiftly implemented, including the segregation of affected prisoners, assessment of exposed staff members, and provision of vaccination where necessary.
In regard to visitor surveillance, Dr. Ramsammy emphasised the importance of contact tracing, considering the potential for asymptomatic transmission.
“Medical and surveillance teams are diligently tracing contacts to pinpoint the origin of the infection with the aim of containing the spread within the Lusignan Prison. And proactive measures are being extended to other prison facilities, with medical teams conducting surveillance and screening exercises, and staff members being offered vaccinations as a preventive measure.”
Dr Ramsammy further stated that possibility of the outbreak originated from a newly admitted inmate who may have been exposed in their home environment.
