Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3 January 2025: The Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department are aware of concerns regarding the noticeable increase in the presence of flies, particularly on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales. This issue has been affecting both residents and visitors, and the Ministry is taking urgent steps to address the situation.

In response to these concerns, several mitigation measures have been implemented. Fly baiting and trapping have been intensified in high-traffic areas such as restaurants, markets, and other public spaces to target and reduce the fly population. Additionally, garbage collection services have been increased to eliminate the backlog of waste, which is contributing to the issue. The Environmental Health Department is working closely with contractors to ensure that waste is collected more frequently and in a timely manner.

To further mitigate the situation, the management of landfill operations is involved in the daily compaction and proper covering of incoming waste at the landfill to prevent flies from accessing decomposing materials. A meeting was held with all service contractors for Grand Turk and Providenciales to address the matter urgently, ensuring that all necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the fly issue effectively.

The Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department are committed to maintaining public health and ensuring a clean environment. We encourage the public to cooperate by properly disposing of waste and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue. For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at ehd@gov.tc or 338-2143/44.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 19 December 2024: The Ministry of Health and Human Services urges the public to ensure that their family is fully vaccinated against measles before heading into the winter season. The TCI confirmed two cases of measles in May 2024 and subsequent to this, two cases were identified in the Caribbean region last month.

If you are planning to travel outside of the TCI during the holiday season or otherwise and you are under or unvaccinated, you may be at risk of contracting measles. Check your vaccination status before you go and ensure that you are fully vaccinated before you travel.

Key facts about measles:

• Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus.
• Measles spreads easily between people who are under or unvaccinated.
• The measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine is your best defense against Measles. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available for free at government-operated Primary Health Care clinics.
• Symptoms typically start between 10 and 12 days after catching the infection. The signs and symptoms of measles are:
  • A high fever (39.1 degrees Celsius or 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Cough
  • Red, sore, watery eyes
  • Small greyish-white spots with a bluish-white centre inside the mouth, cheek, and throat may appear a few days later.

A rash usually appears 2-4 days after the cold-like symptoms start. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles spreads through:

• Close contact with an infected person
• Droplets from coughs or sneezes
• Touching contaminated surfaces someone has cough or sneezed on

Measles spreads easily within households and in other places where people mix closely together. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not vaccinated will also become infected. The period when a person can spread the virus most is within 7 to 10 days of exposure but can be up to 14 days.

What should you do to keep yourself, your family and community safe from measles?

1. Check Vaccination Records
   • Ensure that you and your children have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider or your local clinic immediately.
2. Recognise Symptoms
   • If you or your child develop a fever with a rash, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection helps prevent the spread of measles.
3. Practice Prevention
   • Encourage proper hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing, to reduce the risk of infection.

While the TCI has high vaccination coverage in the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) (>95%), unvaccinated persons can still acquire measles through contact with an infectious person.

Have a safe and measles-free holiday season.

For more information or to schedule a vaccination, call 649-338-5469 or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF

BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 December 2024:The Department of Behavioural Health Services (DBHS) wishes to address the growing use of vapes and e-cigarettes, particularly among adolescents, and to raise awareness about the associated health risks. While the use of these products may not be immediately visible in our communities, it is an issue that warrants attention due to its potential impact on the health and well-being of young people.

Vaping and e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. However, it is important to understand that these products are not without significant risks, particularly for adolescents whose bodies and brains are still developing.

Health Risks of Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Despite the perception that vaping may be a harmless activity, research indicates that it can pose several risks, especially to young people. These risks include:

• Nicotine Addiction: Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can have long-term effects on the developing brain, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and emotional regulation.
• Respiratory Issues: The inhalation of chemicals present in e-cigarette vapor can damage the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory problems and increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Damage to Vocal Cords: The inhalation of e-cigarette vapor can irritate the delicate tissues of the vocal cords, leading to inflammation, dryness, and hoarseness. Over time, this can result in chronic voice problems, including a raspy voice or difficulty speaking.
• Increased Risk of Laryngitis: Vaping can cause irritation of the larynx (voice box), making individuals more prone to laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the vocal cords. This condition can cause a sore throat, difficulty speaking, and in severe cases, loss of voice.
• Mental Health Effects: Studies suggest that the use of e-cigarettes may contribute to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among adolescents.
• Gateway to Smoking: There is evidence to suggest that e-cigarette use can serve as a gateway to the use of traditional tobacco products and other substances.

Recognising the Issue in Our Communities

While vaping may not be as prevalent or immediately apparent in our communities as other public health issues, it is important to recognize that it is a growing concern. The appeal of e-cigarettes, particularly to youth, is influenced by attractive flavors and marketing that may not fully convey the potential harms. We are aware of cases where adolescents have been affected, and as such, it is imperative that we address this issue through informed discussions and proactive measures.

The Tobacco Ordinance and Special Considerations

The Turks and Caicos Islands has an established tobacco ordinance aimed at regulating the sale and use of tobacco products. However, the use of vapes and e-cigarettes presents unique challenges that require specific attention. Given the increased use of these products among young people, it is crucial to highlight the risks associated with vaping and the importance of safeguarding the health of our youth.

A Call to Action for Adolescents and the Community

The Department of Behavioural Health Services encourages young people to make informed choices about their health. We understand that curiosity about vaping may arise, but it is important to consider the long-term impact on both physical and mental health. If you are an adolescent or a young adult, we urge you to seek information and support from trusted adults, such as parents, educators, or healthcare professionals, before making decisions regarding the use of these products.

For parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to remain vigilant and engage in open conversations with young people about the risks of vaping. Support, understanding, and guidance are key to helping young people make healthy choices.

The Department of Behavioural Health Services remains committed to providing resources and assistance to individuals, families, and communities who need support in addressing the issue of vaping.

For more information or to seek support, please contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on the following numbers; 338-3613 Grand Turk, 338-3616 Providenciales . Be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS and @TCIDBHS on Instagram. Additionally, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.