By Tracey Khan – Drakes
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran has announced that Guyana has in place equipment to test for the Chikunguna virus, but there is a lack of trained personnel to administer the testing.
At a press conference this morning, Dr Ramsarran noted his Ministry is working closely with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to provide assistance with training health officials in this regard.
Since the outbreak in Guyana, the Health Ministry has sent 150 samples to be tested at the Regional Health Facility in Trinidad and Tobago, costing the government a hefty sum.
Meanwhile, a second cycle of fogging and spraying was expected to commence countrywide, however, with the commencement of the rainy season this is now in jeopardy.
The Health Minister dispelled rumors that the disease continues to increase, noting that the number of confirmed cases remains at 19 and only 150 samples were sent overseas to be tested and not 1000.
Cabinet recently approved funds to purchase equipment for fogging in its efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Similarly, the Local Government ministry has commenced its countrywide clean up campaign.
Ramsarran is adamant that his ministry took a pro active approach to the outbreak and began its fogging and other exercises before the announcements of the two cases were made.
