Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health and the Department of Corrections are investigating three suspected cases of malaria at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre in Kingston, and have moved to avert a spread of the disease in correctional facilities islandwide.
The move comes as the number of confirmed malaria cases rises
to 163.
Head of the Correctional Services, Major Richard Reese, said that while the cases are yet
to be confirmed, preventative
measures have been put in place.
"We have taken all the precautions as mandated by the Ministry of Health, which include fogging of institutions across the island, identifying possible sources such as gullies and informing the Ministry of Health," Commissioner Reese told The Gleaner yesterday.
In addition, he noted that inmates are referred to the Health Ministry as soon as they display symptoms of malaria.
Major Reese also told The Gleaner that careful screening of new inmates is undertaken as some are from the affected communities.
Horizon Remand Centre is
located near Denham Town and Trench Town, two of the communities affected by malaria.
Repellents available
Major Reese said repellents had been purchased for staff assigned to night duties at two of the correctional facilities. The correctional boss also noted that repellents were available for inmates.
"We have a surveillance programme in place and we are confident that we have been able to conform to the (Ministry's) requirements," Major Reese added.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has given the assurance that
community activities to control malaria will continue over the weekend in the affected areas of Denham Town, Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town, Union Gardens and Delacree Park.
As such, four health centres will remain open in Kingston this weekend. They are the Maxfield Park, Hagley Park and Denham Town Health Centres, as well as the Kiwanis Maternity Centre.
In St. Catherine, the Christian Pen Health Centre will also remain open.
The ministry also noted that fever surveillance and treatment of cases will be carried out in the house-to-house visits by the health teams.
In the evenings, fogging will be conducted in the affected communities. Additionally, the venues of all major events will be fogged before show time.
Malaria Helpline
1888-663-5683/922-0024
Malaria is a life-threatening
disease which is caused by a
parasite transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito.
Signs and symptoms of malaria
Fever (ongoing or on and off)
Sweating
Chills
Headaches
Weakness
Vomiting
The Ministry of Health has advised residents of affected communities to:
Avoid or limit outdoor activities between nightfall and dawn.
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks
outdoors between nightfall
and dawn.
Avoid wearing dark clothing at nights.
Use an insect repellent,
containing the chemical DEET, on exposed skin.
Close windows before dark, and keep them closed
throughout the night.
Sleep under a mosquito net.
