Health
Sick children stay home; surge in Flu & HFM makes TCI schools high-risk
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, November 21, 2022 – Parents are expected to support a plea by the ministries of Health and Education to keep their un-well children at home, proving that Turks and Caicos is not immune to the trend of spiking cases of influenza within schools which is causing increased levels of sickness generally among children and adults; it is leading to problematic staff shortages.
A virtual countrywide Parent Teachers Association (PTA) meeting was held by the TCI government on November 15th after what it described as an “alarming rise in communicable diseases in schools throughout the TCI.’
The meeting was called a week after reports emerged of almost two dozen suspected cases of Hand Foot and Mouth disease across eight schools.
The PTA invite indicated that more than one illness may have been in circulation.
Hand Foot and Mouth disease is usually mild and children will recover on-their-own, but symptoms can be painful for them according to the World Health Organization. Parents should look out for fever, eating or drinking less, a sore throat and general complaints of un-well feeling in their children. These will be followed by painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks.
Parents are reminded that HFM disease can still be spread even after initial symptoms have cleared up and to keep children at home for the entirety of the time recommended by medical professionals.
When it comes to Influenza, commonly known as the flu, Hopkins says this about the infection in children: “It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. The flu may also lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death.”
Covid-19 is also high amongst school aged children in nearby nations. The virus is also still being detected in the Turks and Caicos.
Aldora Robinson, Director of the Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit said the Ministry of Health and Human Services has been carrying out educational visits.
“We have been sending out messages and also going into the schools and doing sessions on handwashing.”
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#Argentina, April 15, 2024 – Argentina is currently facing a shortage in mosquito repellents, a severely unfortunate development for the nation as it is now fighting a surge in dengue cases, in-line with PAHO predictions that the region will face its worst dengue season on record.
The mosquito repellent shortage was reportedly noticed in March 2024 and Argentina, according to the Ministry of Health, recorded over 163,000 cases with deaths in all age groups, more common for those over 80 years old.
The situation is widespread across Argentina as indicated by supermarkets putting on display “no repellent” signs.
Places where repellents are still available, online spaces especially, are selling them at high prices.
As to the reason behind the shortage, BBC reports that it was told by one of the production companies (for repellents), that a forecast error was at fault and that manufacturing took months. Additionally, mirroring this, Mario Russo reports a supply and demand problem.
The Government is making efforts to have this sorted as soon as possible, but Argentinians, reports say, are not so hopeful as hundreds of thousands have already been infected.
Preventative measures such as repellents are crucial for Argeniniand who reply heavily on them, as they await the dengue vaccine which is already developed, but still In its early stages of distribution.
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
Vape use is rising in the Turks and Caicos Islands with even primary school students now partaking according to an exclusive policing interview with the Magnetic Media News Team on March 25th.
”Over the past few months, there has indeed been a noticeable increase in vaping activity within our local communities including youth as young as eight years old. This statement is supported by data collected from various sources within our health department and externally,” said Sgt. Huntley Forbes of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Community Policing Unit.
Vaping is the use of an electronic battery operated device to inhale tobacco. Often the devices are reusable with users able to switch out flavored inserts.
Forbes was speaking to Magnetic Media following the March 24 launch of an anti-vaping video, featuring top students, athletes and other young people alongside Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Former Premier, and representatives of the Community Policing Unit with the major message “DON’T VAPE!”.
The campaign was a partnership between the Bethany Baptist Youth Group and the Community Policing Department.
Forbes told the team that thanks to data from healthcare providers, and emergency room visits vaping related issues such as respiratory problems and nicotine addiction were available and showing the increase prompting immediate action.
“This rise is concerning due to the potential health risks associated with vaping, especially among younger demographics,” the Sergeant explained.
Vaping was billed as a ‘safe’ option to smoking in the past but health experts now agree that while it might be slightly less dangerous, it is not a safe alternative and should never be promoted as such.
The American Heart Association says most of these e-cigarettes deliver nicotine, some contain a higher dosage than cigarettes, which is not only highly addictive but is known to harm the developing brains of teens, kids and fetuses in women who vape. In addition, vapes can contain cancer causing chemicals.
Forbes says the team is planning a multi-faceted approach to the increase.
“We will collaborate with local health departments, community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders to gather and share information about vaping-related health concerns. By working together, we can develop comprehensive strategies to address these emerging issues.”
He also detailed the plans that will be enacted with immediacy:
Education and awareness campaigns: Community Policing will conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks associated with vaping, particularly among younger demographics.
Support for cessation programs: Community Policing will support efforts to provide resources and support for individuals who want to quit vaping. This may include connecting individuals with the Substance Abuse department Forbes explained.
Educational materials: The RTCIPF will develop and distribute educational materials, such as brochures, posters, billboards to inform the public about the dangers of vaping.
Training for officers is the final facet of the response and Forbes says Police officers will receive training on recognizing vaping-related issues, interacting with individuals who vape, and enforcing relevant regulations.
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