Ministry of Health renews ban on mass gatherings

[Snowy Owl]

Ministry of Health renews ban on mass gatherings

Wed Dec 20, 2006
http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&story=31175
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The Ministry of Health says it is currently reviewing its ban on mass gatherings in St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew, in the wake of the malaria outbreak.

Although the ban will still stand for events in the affected areas, acting Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, said that a review was necessary, given the number of events organised for the duration of thefestive season.

The Acting CMO says persons have been checking with the public health departments, seeking advice before holding events.

She said promoters of events are encouraged to continue checking with the health departments in the affected parishes, in order to ensure that they are properly guided or permitted to hold an event.

Dr. Campbell-Forrester is advising members of the public should be mindful of wearing appropriate clothing during the outbreak.

"Mosquitoes bite the exposed parts of the body. So wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and light coloured clothes as mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing," she said.

Persons are also being encouraged to use insect repellants containing the compound, DEET.

"It is advisable that persons revisit their night time activities, since the mosquitoes attack at night," she noted.

In the meantime, Dr. Campbell-Forrester said that the Ministry was continuing to work assiduously in downtown markets, especially in the ever popular, Coronation Market.

"They have been doing clean-up in the market, public education and also mosquito control[work at this market," she disclosed.

Symptoms of malaria include intermittent fever, chills, headaches, bad feelings, such as nausea, and muscles painsand aches.

Persons experiencing these symptoms should visit their doctor or nearest health facility, immediately.

 

[Thornton]

Re: Ministry of Health renews ban on mass gatherings

Help please. What do mass gatherings have to do with mosquito borne illnesses?

 

[Sharpe]

Re: Ministry of Health renews ban on mass gatherings

They probably attract a lot of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes sense the presence of people using receptors for carbon dioxide. When a lot of people congregate, a lot of carbon dioxide is given off, and mosquitoes from distances of miles away can be attracted. Nevertheless, it is a little odd--usually mass gatherings are banned when a disease is contagious, but anyway.

 

[Thornton]

Re: Ministry of Health renews ban on mass gatherings

Thanks.

 

[Snowy Owl]

Re: Ministry of Health renews ban on mass gatherings

JFYI,

Last year at the Island of La R?union, they indeed notice that one infected moskito could infect many humans whom would then transmitted it to uninfected mosquitos, whom then would transmit it to other Humans, on and on...

I have to express my rejoice to witness such responsable and knowledgeble behavioers from Officials.

Snowy