Ministry of Health Prepares for Screwworm Cases

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it’s ready to tackle screwworm cases showing up in humans. So far, two cases have been confirmed in the Cayo District, and health facilities across the country are on alert. Health Minister Kevin Bernard says doctors and community health workers have already been briefed on how to treat the infection, and he’s urging anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention early.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness

“The first scenario, the first person who had that may have taken a bit too long to have visited the facility, but is under treatment getting the necessary treatment going. It is a treatable illness. But if not treated can lead to something more dangerous. So we have been doing our part making sure we are out there on the ground. Our community health workers have been updated. Our doctors have also been updated in terms of the treatment protocols for these things. So, that has been ongoing. I must commend our people for going our and dealing with this matter, right head on because it a matter of concern. One case is a health concern so we had to address that right away. For the two cases, those persons had contact with animals in the farms, they were in the farm setting. We have to understand that. One of the patient is also a diabetic and we know the fly is attracted to open wounds. And that is their feeding ground and the minute the fly lays that egg within twenty-four hours we are already having a small larvae and in the next twenty-four it is already grown.”