Health Minister Cholera faux pas described as ‘academically shameful’ by Opposition Leader

By Dana Malcom

Staff writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 12, 2023 – There cannot be a test performed to identify the strain of Cholera virus in the Turks and Caicos because cholera is not a virus, and the Minister of Health should have known this before releasing a media statement saying so.

Opposition Leader and Former Minister of Health Edwin Astwood is clearing up mistakes made by the Ministry of Health in a recent announcement that the country had recorded its first cholera case, but describing it as a viral illness.

“From time immemorial, and up until this week, it has been long-established that the causative agent for the disease of Cholera was a BACTERIA named VIBRIO CHOLERAE. Therefore, either the PNP Government has discovered a new virus, or they just don’t know, or understand, what they are talking about. Calling a bacterium, a virus is like calling a dog a bird,” Astwood said.

He queried how the Government could have made the slip up describing it as an ‘academically shameful statement.’

He stressed that the preventative actions for dealing with cholera were specific to its causative agent.

“It is widely known that Vibrio Cholera has produced epidemic diarrheal disease in many parts of the world, and it is endemic in some parts of the world. The transmission of the disease is completely different from viruses like COVID and Influenza. It is spread from person to person through the ingestion of contaminated water and or food, and the common house fly is known as a common transport. Control rests on education and improvement of sanitation, particularly proper food and water handling,” he advised.

Referencing the health ministry’s quote that they had sent the sample off to be tested for which strain of the virus was present he said:

“Which strain of the virus is present? I wonder what the health professionals at CARPHA are thinking right now. Are we to do as the TCI Government said and look for viruses, or should we do what should be done and look for the presence of the bacteria Vibrio Cholera?”

He also took shots at former Ministers of Health in the PNP Administration.

“The Health Minister number two, Hon. Robinson,  always likes to dismiss my qualifications and experience as a health professional. He has a difficult time comprehending that our country can produce persons highly qualified in the scientific field, for which I am one of many. How is it that he and the other two PNP Health Ministers made this colossal mistake?” he asked.

The opposition leader also shared advice on how to deal with the disease with residents.

“Death from the disease is mostly due to dehydration. Hence the most important part of therapy consists of water and electrolyte replacement to correct the severe hydration and salt depletion. Many Antimicrobial agents are also effective against Vibrio Cholera,” he informed.

While only one case of cholera has been picked up so far, Astwood admits being concern at the Government’s ability to manage a true outbreak.

“Let us pray that this PNP Government does not have to face anything worse than one person being infected with this bacteria v cholera. If they cannot identify the causative agent correctly, then how can we expect them to put in the correct measures to prevent and control Cholera or any other disease?” he asked.

The TCI recorded its first cholera case on June 4th, 2023.