分类： health

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – The Grenadian Ministry of Health has issued an official statement refuting viral social media claims about an unusual disease outbreak circulating within the country. Health authorities have categorically stated that these online assertions are inconsistent with data collected through the nation’s established epidemiological surveillance systems.

The Ministry confirmed it is actively monitoring public health trends through routine surveillance but has found no evidence supporting claims of abnormal disease activity. Instead, current data indicates patterns consistent with expected seasonal variations.

Surveillance reports confirm a predictable increase in respiratory illnesses, which aligns with annual flu season trends. This seasonal uptick has been further amplified by heightened population movement during peak tourism seasons and recent Christmas holiday gatherings.

Health officials provided specific epidemiological context: During Week 42 (concluding October 18, 2024), Grenada experienced an expected spike in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease cases, primarily affecting children across multiple school communities. Meanwhile, COVID-19 positivity rates remain consistently low, indicating minimal community transmission of the virus.

The Ministry also addressed reports of flu-like symptoms within the tourism sector, confirming these cases reflect broader seasonal respiratory trends rather than unusual outbreaks. No evidence of COVID-19 clusters has been identified. Monitoring has also detected gastroenteritis activity at intervention threshold levels, representing an increase that remains within anticipated seasonal parameters.

The statement emphasized that all public health data undergoes rigorous collection, analysis, and interpretation by qualified professionals before release. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and evidence-based public health action, encouraging citizens to rely exclusively on official communications for accurate information and to continue practicing recommended preventive health measures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has left profound emotional scars across Jamaica, mental health experts are advocating for innovative psychological interventions to address widespread trauma. Dr. Marlon Simpson, a licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, has introduced a series of science-based neuropsychological techniques specifically designed to help survivors combat anxiety, trauma, and survivor’s guilt.

During a recent virtual symposium organized by the JN Foundation, Dr. Simpson presented these methods to JN Circle chapters, emphasizing that conventional approaches are insufficient for what he described as an “outside-the-box” hurricane that has psychologically disempowered countless individuals. “Our bodies may be safe now, but our brains are still telling us we’re in danger,” Dr. Simpson noted. “We need techniques that help recalibrate the brain’s alarm system.”

The five evidence-based strategies outlined include:

1. **Brain Reset Exercises**: Simple head movements—slowly turning left, center, and right for 2-5 minutes—signal to the brain that the danger has passed, reducing sleeplessness and stress.

2. **Therapeutic Journaling**: Writing helps break guilt-based narratives and fosters acceptance of uncontrollable outcomes during the storm.

3. **Vocalization Techniques**: Humming or soft vocalizing stimulates brain regions associated with safety, countering feelings of loneliness or unworthiness.

4. **Sensory Grounding**: Wrapping oneself firmly in a light blanket or towel provides physical cues of safety, calming the nervous system.

5. **Audio Journaling**: Recording private voice notes helps externalize racing thoughts, restoring mental clarity and reducing cognitive exaggeration of problems.

Dr. Simpson also highlighted the importance of monitoring behavioral changes in children, such as reduced appetite, social withdrawal, or rescue-themed play, urging adults to recognize these as signs of distress.

Hakeem Atkinson, Member Relations Supervisor at the JN Group, reflected on the session’s significance, stating that the initiative was designed to address the invisible wounds many Jamaicans are enduring. He emphasized that mental health support must become an integral part of disaster recovery, equally prioritized alongside physical reconstruction efforts.

The JN Circle, a global network of members and customers active in 14 parishes and international cities including Toronto and London, continues to drive community-focused recovery initiatives in the wake of natural disasters.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Health authorities in Jamaica have issued firm reassurances regarding the safety of chemical fogging operations being conducted across multiple communities to combat surging mosquito populations following Hurricane Melissa.

Portfolio Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton characterized the fogging methodology as a fundamentally secure approach for eliminating mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue and other viruses. In statements to JIS News, Dr. Tufton emphasized that contemporary insecticides have undergone substantial advancements, resulting in formulations that are significantly more environmentally considerate. “These chemicals will not cause fatalities or harm to individuals,” he stated, “while effectively mitigating the nuisance and health hazards posed by mosquitoes.”

The Minister advised minimal exposure for persons with known allergies, suggesting the temporary use of a damp cloth over the nose until the dispersed mist settles. He strongly encouraged public cooperation to allow fogging teams to perform their essential duties without obstruction.

Echoing these sentiments, Sherine Huntley Jones, Medical Entomologist and National Programme Manager for Vector Control, confirmed that all chemicals deployed are certified and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Their application strictly follows manufacturer guidelines, negating any legitimate concerns about adverse health effects, she assured.

In response to post-hurricane conditions, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has heightened its alert status for mosquito-borne disease transmission and intensified its control initiatives. This includes an expanded schedule for both fogging and larvicidal treatments. Ms. Huntley Jones indicated these operations would gradually scale down once the threat of an outbreak is deemed sufficiently contained.

The public is urged to report any issues related to fogging to their local parish health department. Concurrently, officials are calling for citizen participation in source reduction efforts—promptly identifying and eliminating containers that collect water and facilitate mosquito breeding around homes. This collaborative approach between the government and communities is presented as the most effective strategy for reducing mosquito populations and curtailing disease risk.

Supporting the ministry’s position, the WHO notes that the insecticide concentrations used in fogging are minimal and calibrated to target only small insects like mosquitoes. Occasional exposure at these levels is not anticipated to produce negative health outcomes in humans. The global health body advocates for an Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategy, which combines fogging with other proven measures such as Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), EPA-registered repellents, and environmental management to prevent breeding sites.