Health
Dengue Outbreak Declared in TCI
#TurksandCaicos, November 14, 2023 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services has been monitoring the dengue situation in the region of the Americas closely due to multiple countries declaring dengue outbreaks including countries in the Caribbean. The TCI received confirmation of its first dengue case on 17th October 2023. Since this time, through raised awareness with the general public and health care providers, testing has increased with 13 confirmed cases of dengue being identified to date with a further 74 suspected cases. Confirmed cases are those that have undergone PCR testing at CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health Agency), whereas suspected cases have been identified through rapid tests. These recent increases signal the start of a dengue outbreak in the TCI. The confirmed cases are distributed across the islands as follows:
Providenciales: 12 confirmed
Grand Turk: 1 confirmed
There are four dengue virus types. Two types of dengue virus have since been identified in the TCI- type two and type three (DENV-2 and DENV-3). 8 of the confirmed cases are type three, which can result in a more severe form of the
disease while type two has been identified in one confirmed case. The other cases did not meet the criteria for typing.
The Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Shaun D. Malcolm stated, “In response to the dengue cases, the Ministry of Health and Human Services through the Vector Control Unit of the Environmental Health Department, has ramped up vector control activities throughout the islands including treatment of swamps, large bodies of standing water, premises inspections and fogging. He also noted that through collaboration with the Deputy Governor, approval for additional Vector Control Officers has been granted and that the onboarding of these individuals has been prioritised”.
Educational materials are being published to educate the general public on activities that can be undertaken by individuals to reduce mosquito breeding sites on their properties and in their communities as well as reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Dengue is a viral illness that spreads to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito. These mosquitoes also spread zika, chikungunya, and other viruses. The aedes aegypti mosquito is present in the Turks and Caicos Islands and is capable of spreading these diseases. The Aedes aegypti prefers to lay their eggs in artificial containers that contain water (drums, barrels and tires, mainly) in and around homes, schools and workplaces. It is essential that the general public remains vigilant for this disease as well as play their role in destroying potential mosquito breeding sites within homes, yards and communities.
- 1 in 4: About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick.
- For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
- Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and often requires care at a hospital.
Health
Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay
(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 19th, 2024): – InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Community Kidney Screening Events held in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. These events marked a significant milestone in promoting kidney health awareness and early detection.
On April 12, 2024, on Grand Turk (Dillon Hall) and April 13, 2024, on Salt Cay (Ministry of Health Clinic), participants had the opportunity to receive immediate screening results and personalized guidance from dedicated healthcare professionals. The collaborative effort between InterHealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services empowered individuals to prioritize their kidney health and take proactive steps towards well-being.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, shared, “We are happy to see the positive impact of the Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. By providing accessible screenings and expert guidance by our clinical teams, including our nephrologist and internist, we equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their kidney health.”
Similarly, Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These events have showcased the importance of early detection and preventive care in maintaining optimal kidney health.”
The support of sponsors, including the TCI Boating Club, Air and Sea Agency, The Olympic Group Limited, Flow and Digicel, played a crucial role in the success of the Community Kidney Screening Events.
InterHealth-Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services are excited to announce that a series of Kidney Community Screenings with dates for Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos will be revealed soon, further extending the impact of this important initiative.
The Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay have set a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to prioritize kidney health and well-being within the community. Together, we are taking proactive steps towards building a healthier future for all.
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, APRIL 30, 2024: Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.
This news comes as an update on the organization’s swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station,
alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.
Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of
daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.
These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.
In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization’s dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.
In a statement, Hall said, “We will implement these measures only as required throughout the month of May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”
The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.
Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”
Learn more about Provo Water Company’s water efficiency and conservation initiatives by visiting www.provowater.com. Follow on social media for tips and announcements: @ProvoWaterCompany on Facebook and @provowaterco on Instagram. For inquiries, please contact the customer service team at customerservice@provowater.com.
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