Even as local authorities ramp up clean-up operations to try and stem the spread of the chikungunya virus, health authorities in Grenada are alarmed by its rampant spread in the smaller islands. In an article in the weekly newspaper the Grenada Informer, health officials expressed concern that of the 7,500 population of the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, more than 65 per cent of residents had contracted the virus.
Grenadian health officials also expressed concern that the panic created by the spread of the virus had led to a shortage of Panadol tablets in both islands, as citizens were hoarding the drug, which doctors recommend to alleviate the fever, joint pains and swelling that accompanies the virus. Last week, the Carriacou Branch of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Health Department and members of the police force overturned several unused fishing boats in the Tyrell Bay area.
The authorities were concerned that the boats were serving as a catchment for water, which created the perfect breeding ground for the Aedes egypti mosquito.
T&T Precautions
Maintaining that there are 43 confirmed cases of ChikV in T&T, officials from the Ministry of Health yesterday encouraged the population to rid their homes and surrounding premises of any receptacles which could prove to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Locally, the regional corporations have come out in support of the ministry’s efforts to clean and spray communities across T&T, and they have also embarked on several initiatives to educate residents about individual responsibility in ensuring the virus was not allowed to spread unchecked.
When contacted, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan urged citizens to be mindful of their responsibility to ensure their homes, businesses and other areas were clean and free of any items in which mosquitoes can breed. The Diego Martin Regional Corporation (DMRC) has begun hosting town meetings to educate residents on the importance of cleaning, clearing and spraying empty, vacant and abandoned lots and buildings in their community.
Chairman of the corporation Darryl Smith distributed bed nets and mosquito repellant cream to residents last week, while operations at the Port-of-Spain City Corporation have also been expanded to include inspections of premises with fines for errant homeowners and negligent landlords.
