Health
What we learned about Suspected MonkeyPox in Turks & Caicos
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos is still waiting for confirmation on that first suspected case of MonkeyPox, what we do know is the suspected case is from a resident with a history of travel to the UK, this is according to Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health & Human Services in response to Magnetic Media questions about the case.
Apparently samples cannot be shipped to CARPHA with the courier services operating out of the TCI because the disease is classified as a ‘Category A’ pathogen.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says, “Category A pathogens are those organisms/biological agents that pose the highest risk to national security and public health because they
- Might cause public panic and social disruption
OR
- Require special action for public health preparedness. Among other reasons.
As a result TCI health officials say they are “diligently working on developing local capacity for testing utilizing equipment acquired by the NPHL during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The individual is in isolation and is apparently recovering well.
Health officials say the person turned up to a healthcare provider, not the ER, and they are now carrying out contact tracing. Local testing should be up soon to confirm the presence of the virus.
If the virus is confirmed to be on island, the Ministry of Health and Human Services says they will make a formal announcement and healthcare providers are already on alert. Anyone presenting with the signs and symptoms of MonkeyPox to any healthcare provider will trigger an immediate response including testing contact tracing and isolation.
“The MOHHS has requested that all health care providers have a high index of suspicion due to the unprecedented global spread of this disease which has been confirmed in countries with close travel ties to the TCI as well as recent confirmation of cases in the Caribbean region,” Astwood said.
While she did not give a concrete turnaround time for testing and she did not reveal which island reported the suspected case, Dr. Astwood said results will come as soon as is practical. Additionally, isolation for positive individuals will be observed at home due to the mild nature of the disease and can last up to 21 days.
To stay protected the MOHHS said to residents, “It is important that the public stays informed and takes precautions to protect their health and that of those around them as the pandemic is ongoing and there is the added threat of MonkeyPox. The same hygienic measures are recommended for both illnesses inclusive of mask wearing.”
Almost all of the TCIs major travel partners including the US,UK, Canada, Dominican Republic and Jamaica have recorded cases.
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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