Guyana: Health authorities probe if respiratory infection killed 2 Chinese workers, sickened several - Histoplasmosis confirmed

[tetano]

Health authorities were Saturday probing whether nine Chinese nationals in northwestern Guyana were suffering from a severe respiratory infection.
Director of government’s Department of Public Information Imran Khan said Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud informed that “they are investigating Severe Acute Respiratory Infection, not H1N1 specifically.”
Khan said health authorities promised to “provide a detailed report shortly”.
Authorities refuted reports in sections of the media that there is a swine flu outbreak.
One of the persons has since died.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, according to a Ministry of Public Health official, was “still running a battery of tests” to determine the type of viral infection.
At the same time, the Public Health Ministry spokesman said the eight sickened persons have been isolated from other patients.
“The patients are isolated at the tertiary institution,” he said.
Up to Saturday evening information was scanty, and the Public Health Ministry did not issue a statement.

http://demerarawaves.com/2019/03/30/...ened-8-others/

[Ronan Kelly]

Chinese national dead, seven quarantined after mystery breakout at manganese mine
Mar 31, 2019 News



Medical staff at Eugene F. Corriea Airport (EFCA) awaiting the arrival of the patients.

One of several afflicted manganese workers is now dead, after exhibiting symptoms of a viral influenza, yesterday. The other seven, who are also Chinese nationals, are currently being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
A team of medical personnel was deployed to Matthews Ridge yesterday, from the Mabaruma Hospital after the members received these reports.
The seven men were airlifted to Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, and transported to GPHC for treatment.
A medical practitioner on the team informed this publication that the team has been extremely cautious, both, in its transport of the patients and with the level of care they?re currently receiving.
This publication was informed that two floors of the Male Medical Ward of GPHC were cleared and restricted yesterday, to quarantine the victims of the undetermined illness.
...

https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2019/03/31/one-chinese-national-dead-seven-in-quarantine-after-mystery-breakout-at-manganese-mine/

[Ronan Kelly]

BREAKING: One dead, several hospitalised following Dengue outbreak at Matthew?s Ridge
By Staff Reporter - March 30, 2019 02425
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The Pekera Hospital at Matthew's Ridge.
Several Chinese nationals who were cleaning a manganese tunnel at Matthew?s Ridge in the North West District last week , have been air-dashed to the city after the men contracted what has been diagnosed as dengue hemorrhagic fever or (DHF).

A hospital source at Matthew?s Ridge confirmed that one of the men died on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at the hospital in the area.

Reports are that the men, who were taken to the area from the town of Linden to work as labourers at the Manganese mines , were working at one of four tunnels at the mining site. Reports are that the men were exposed to mosquitoes while cleaning bat droppings from the tunnel. The mines are operated by the Chinese -owned Guyana Manganese Inc.
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http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/03/30/breaking-one-dead-several-hospitalised-following-dengue-outbreak-at-matthews-ridge

[Pathfinder]

Minister Lawrence refutes H1N1 in Guyana

By Staff Reporter - March 31, 2019 0131

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence is refuting claims in some sections of the local media that the H1N1 virus is to blame for the death of a Chinese national working in a mining firm in Barima/Waini (Region One).

Lawrence said Saturday night that Ministry of Public Health specialists were still conducting ?a battery of tests? to identify the virus blamed for the manganese miner?s death and the hospitalisation of eight others, including a solitary Guyanese who is an employee of the Guyana Manganese Inc (GMI) firm.

According to the Minister, ?there is no determination (as yet) of what the ailment is but all the patients displayed similar symptoms including pain, fever, headache and respiratory distress.?
...

http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/03/31/minister-lawrence-refutes-h1n1-in-guyana

[Pathfinder]

Department of Public Information

4 hrs ?

MIN. LAWRENCE REFUTES CLAIMS OF H1N1 IN GUYANA | Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence is refuting claims in some sections of the local media that the H1N1 virus is to blame for the death of a Chinese national working in a mining firm in Barima/Waini (Region One).

Lawrence said Saturday night that Ministry of Public Health specialists were still conducting "a battery of tests" to identify the virus blamed for the manganese miner's death and the hospitalisation of eight others, including a solitary Guyanese who is an employee of the Guyana Manganese Inc (GMI) firm.

According to the Minister, "there is no determination (as yet) of what the ailment is but all the patients displayed similar symptoms including pain, fever, headache and respiratory distress"

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud said a "respiratory ailment" is to blame for the death and hospitalisation of the GMI workers.

The deceased worker was ailing for days before seeking medical attention at the Matthews Ridge Hospital last Thursday. He died Saturday. His body will be airlifted to the capital Sunday. The seven other ailing GMI employees were airlifted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Inc (GPHC) for further treatment. Neither the deceased nor those currently hospitalised had travelled overseas recently.

The seven patients are to be transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Essequibo Islands/West Demerara (Region Three) on Sunday, and will be isolated, the Public Health Minister said.

She said a team of officials including a pathologist, a Senior Environmental Health Officer; a mortuary attendant, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specialist will be visiting the manganese mining site from Sunday, Lawrence indicated.

She said the team will be complemented by medical specialists, including Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Vishal Ramdas, operating in Barima/Waini among others.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Saturday Night hailed the collaboration among the MOPH, the GPHC, PAHO/WHO and other partners and will "work with neighbouring territories to exchange information" about the ongoing health crises in the Southern Hemisphere.

"We are asking Region One residents to continue performing their usual hygiene habits such as washing their hands after visiting the washroom; covering their mouths when coughing," Lawrence said.

"If you are not feeling well go to a health facility," the Minister counselled.

https://www.facebook.com/dpiguyana/photos/a.488781047969806/1174405709407333/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/dpiguyana/

[Pathfinder]

1 dead, 8 suspected swine flu cases detected in Region 1

March 31, 2019
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When this newspaper contacted the hospital for a comment on the matter, officials were tight-lipped. However, when contacted, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud said that it is too early to presume that the men have ?swine flu, dengue, or any other deadly disease?.
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But even as the hospital is yet to diagnose the men, Regional Health Services (RHS) Director, Dr Kay Shako denied that the men are suffering from swine flu.
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At about 14:30h on Saturday, four ambulances with medical staff, who were all suited up with protective gear, arrived at the Eugene F Correia International Airport to receive the patients, who were medevaced from Region One by Roraima Airways.

When Guyana Times arrived at the airport, the men were seen exiting the aircraft coughing and had to be helped by medical personnel to reach the ambulances.

This newspaper was told that the men were taken to Region One as labourers and were clearing a mining site when they fell ill.
...

https://guyanatimesgy.com/1-dead-8-suspected-swine-flu-cases-detected-in-region-1/

[Ronan Kelly]

The report from post #3 seems to have vanished. -Ro

One dead, 7 Chinese Nationals hospitalised with suspected dengue fever

By News on March 30, 2019 Comments Closed / 8 views

File photo of GPHC
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An official from the company confirmed that one of the men who fell ill earlier in the week has died.

While reports are that the men contracted Dengue Fever, the official said he prefers to await the test results.

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https://www.guyanapalace.com/one-dead-7-chinese-nationals-hospitalised-with-suspected-dengue-fever/

[Pathfinder]

Operations at Matthew?s Ridge Hospital temporarily shut down

April 1, 20190

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Operations at the Matthew?s Ridge Hospital, Region One (Barima/Waini), have been temporarily ceased with its medical staff working out of the Community Centre in that area.

<> was told this morning that this latest development is in light of the recent situation where at least eight Chinese nationals were air-dashed to the capital city on Saturday afternoon after experiencing a ?mysterious? illness with severe symptoms similar to those of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu).

This undiagnosed illness has already claimed the life of one individual.

A senior source told this publication that the Matthew?s Ridge Hospital has been evacuated to allow for fumigation of the facility since medical staff are still to determine the cause of the sickness that the men experienced over the past week.
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https://www.inewsguyana.com/operations-at-matthews-ridge-hospital-temporarily-shut-down/

[Pathfinder]

Probe intensifies into respiratory illness

By Staff Reporter - April 1, 2019 0181

DAYS after one Chinese man died and seven persons, including a Guyanese, were hospitalised, reports have surfaced that the tunnel they were clearing was blocked for more than 50 years.

According to information reaching this publication, it could have been poisonous bat faeces which caused the individuals to get sick.

Although this was not confirmed, individuals from Mathew?s Ridge said that bat faeces are indeed poisonous and could be deadly if inhaled for long periods.
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http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/04/01/probe-intensifies-into-respiratory-illness

[Pathfinder]

6 more workers flown out of Matthew?s Ridge

April 1, 20190

Less than three days after eight workers from the Basai manganese mining site in Matthew?s Ridge were air dashed to the city experiencing a ?mysterious? illness with severe symptoms similar to those of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu); six others were flown out of the area earlier today.

It is believed that the six workers would have exhibited similar symptoms. ...

https://www.inewsguyana.com/6-more-workers-flown-out-of-matthews-ridge/

[Ronan Kelly]

BREAKING: Two diagnosed with Leptospirosis from Matthew?s Ridge mines
By Staff Reporter - April 1, 2019 0309


Several persons who were air dashed to the city on Monday prepare to travel to the Georgetown Public Hospital from the Eugene F Correia international Airport. (Adrian Narine photo)
An official at the Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that two of the patients who became ill at a manganese mining operation at Matthew?s Ridge recently, have been diagnosed with leptospirosis.

Reports are that tests are still being undertaken on the another five patients who were brought out of the North West District area on Saturday.

An additional six patients were medevaced to the city today for treatment via a Roraima Airways aircraft.
...

http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/04/01/breaking-two-diagnosed-with-leptospirosis-from-matthews-ridge-mines

[tetano]

Manganese company ordered to halt exploration -more Chinese workers brought out -two test positive for Leptospirosis

Incorporated (GMI), the local company formed by Bosai Minerals to head its operations at Matthew?s Ridge.
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams, visited the region to get a first-hand look at what has taken place thus far.
GMI/ Bosai had set a timeframe of July 2019 to develop the mines, plant and factories to begin extracting the mineral.
?During the first phase of construction, the mined ore processing plant, washing plant, warehouses and factory will be established.?
The company says it is investing approximately US$100M in this stage of development.
Guyana Manganese Incorporated purchased four prospecting licences that cover an area of 45,729 acres, exploration results, mineral agreement, certain properties and infrastructure from Reunion Manganese.

https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2019/04/02/manganese-company-ordered-to-halt-exploration-more-chinese-workers-brought-out-two-test-positive-for-leptospirosis/

[Ronan Kelly]

Manganese operations suspended; two workers test positive for Lepto.
By Editor On Apr 1, 2019


The Government of Guyana has instructed the Guyana Manganese Inc. company to halt its operations in Region One as it continues to grapple with a respiratory illness that killed one employee and caused some 12 others to fall ill.

A statement from the Public Health Ministry Monday night said that health officials have ruled out Swine Flu (H1N1), Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, Influenza A and B as possible causes of the recent spate of illnesses and death in Mathews Ridge in Region One.

While the specialists continue to work on the seven patients admitted on Saturday, results have shown that two patients tested positive for Leptospirosis which is known to be spread by direct contact with rat urine or feces.
...

https://newsroom.gy/2019/04/01/manganese-operations-suspended-two-workers-test-positive-for-lepto/

[Pathfinder]

No Swine Flu in Mathew?s Ridge

Apr 01, 2019 Government, Ministry of Public Health, News, Press Releases

DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 1, 2019

Public Health Officials have ruled out Swine Flu (H1N1), Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, Influenza A and B as possible causes of the recent spate of illnesses and death in Mathews Ridge. Thus far, there has been no evidence of person to person transmission of infection. It is noted that only persons who were directly exposed to one common area became ill.

As of the Sunday, March 31, a response team comprising the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Surveillance, EH, doctors and nurses were dispatched to Region 1 to support the efforts taken in the region to address the illnesses. The fortified health response focuses on:

1) providing uninterrupted health services to the residents of Mathews Ridge and,

2) on conducting health assessments of all persons working in the mining area.

The decision was taken to transfer all the patients with the acute respiratory illness, rash and fever to our tertiary institution ? the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where critical care can be provided, should the need arise. While the specialists continue to work on the seven patients admitted on Saturday, results have shown that two patients tested positive for Leptospirosis, which is known to be spread by direct contact with rat urine or faeces. Further tests are being conducted locally, and samples will be sent overseas with support from PAHO and CARPHA to get further tests done to rule out other possible infections.

The Public Health Ministry is taking all necessary precautions to ensure staff and members of the community at Mathews Ridge are kept safe.

The mining company has been instructed to halt further exploration until the ministry and a team from the Occupational Health and Safety department of the Ministry of Social Protection can advise further. The Ministry of Public Health, along with partners, will continue to monitor the situation closely until resolution.

https://dpi.gov.gy/no-swine-flu-in-mathews-ridge/

[tetano]

Over 200 manganese workers to be screened

OVER 200 employees stationed at Guyana Manganese Inc.?s Matthews Ridge Mines in the North West District, will be screened by medical personnel as a precautionary measure following last week?s outbreak which resulted in the death of a Chinese national, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has disclosed.

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Another team of medical personnel, however, will be working out of a community centre in the area to screen the employees of Guyana Manganese Inc., ? a subsidiary of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated as a precautionary measure, the Health Minister further detailed. The Guyana Chronicle understands that there are approximately 100 Chinese nationals and 113 Guyanese nationals on the mining concession. Persons displaying similar symptoms to those hospitalised will be transferred to GPHC as a precautionary measure, and treated.

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She confirmed that of the total number of infected employees transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, to date, two from the initial group, have been diagnosed with leptospirosis. They remain in critical condition while the others are recovering. ?As we said, two are critical and those two were diagnosed with leptospirosis, and we are watching them closely. The others, they are not critical, the doctors are very happy at the positive signs that they are seeing,? Minister Lawrence said.

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However, according to a reliable source close to the Health Ministry, the patients admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital are being ?observed? for a number of ailments including Histoplasmosis, Ricketsial Infection, Toxic exposure, Hantavirus, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Febrile syndrome, and Hemorrhagic Dengue.
Additionally, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that the environmental health team, which journeyed to Matthews Ridge on Sunday following the outbreak, is expected to conclude evaluation of the site soon.

http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/04/03/over-200-manganese-workers-to-be-screened