Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Viruses circulating are typical of the season

    Viruses circulating are typical of the season

    Health authorities are reporting a significant uptick in respiratory infections consistent with seasonal patterns, prompting renewed calls for stringent hygiene practices. According to pulmonologist Dr. Evangelina Soler, this surge, while expected during this period, demands serious attention due to the nature of the circulating pathogens.

    The influenza virus is currently dominating clinical presentations, with a substantial number of adult patients testing positive. Simultaneously, pediatric cases are showing increased prevalence of other viruses, including the OC43 coronavirus variant, which is particularly affecting young children. Medical professionals are observing unusual lung infection patterns in younger patients, characterized by bilateral lung infiltrates—a clinical manifestation noted for its deviation from the traditionally lower pathogenicity associated with these viruses.

    This epidemiological scenario is further complicated by the persistence of other respiratory viruses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and additional seasonal coronaviruses. Specialists like Dr. Robert Paulino attribute the prolonged and aggressive nature of this season’s outbreaks to significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels.

    The seasonal transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere is creating ideal conditions for both respiratory and arboviral infections to thrive. Health experts emphasize that this period of environmental change significantly alters infectious disease dynamics, necessitating enhanced surveillance and preventive measures to prevent potential outbreaks.

    Medical recommendations underscore the critical importance of thorough hand hygiene and avoiding contact with individuals displaying respiratory symptoms. These precautions are particularly crucial for vulnerable demographics, including older adults, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as kidney disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, liver conditions, and pulmonary problems.

  • The two respiratory viruses that are affecting the Dominican population

    The two respiratory viruses that are affecting the Dominican population

    The Dominican Republic is currently experiencing a predictable seasonal increase in respiratory viral infections, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza strains A and B identified as the predominant circulating pathogens. This epidemiological update was provided by Dr. Clemente Terrero, a prominent infectologist and former director of the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital, during a public health briefing on Friday.

    Dr. Terrero clarified the typical demographic patterns of these viruses, noting that RSV predominantly impacts the pediatric population, while influenza viruses pose a significant threat to adults and individuals with underlying chronic health conditions. He characterized this surge as a ‘normal situation’ for the current time of year, attributing it to seasonal viruses that traditionally peak during the end-of-year period.

    The medical expert issued a strong recommendation for citizens to seek immediate medical consultation at the nearest health center upon experiencing symptoms indicative of viral infection. Key warning signs include persistent fever, cough, general malaise, nausea, diarrhea, and nasal congestion or discharge. Dr. Terrero specifically emphasized the urgency of medical attention for patients showing signs of dehydration, refusal to eat, frequent vomiting, or severe discomfort.

    Regarding the expected duration of this viral season, health authorities project a gradual decline in infection rates toward the end of January or throughout February. In the meantime, Dr. Terrero reiterated crucial preventive measures to curb transmission, including vaccination against influenza, maintaining physical distance from individuals showing respiratory symptoms, and the consistent use of masks in crowded settings or when exposure to infection is likely.

  • Health Rise in respiratory syncytial virus infections reported

    Health Rise in respiratory syncytial virus infections reported

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has issued a significant epidemiological alert following a dramatic rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases during the 47th Epidemiological Week of 2025. Health authorities reported the viral activity reached its annual peak, substantially surpassing levels documented throughout 2024.

    The surge has precipitated a marked increase in pediatric medical consultations and hospital admissions, primarily for severe respiratory complications including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The ministry characterized the 2025 epidemic pattern as notably more intense, earlier in onset, and prolonged compared to previous seasons.

    Compounding the public health challenge, the surveillance system confirms the continued co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens at low to moderate transmission levels. These include influenza strains A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, and B/Victoria, alongside SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza viruses.

    Health officials warned that this concurrence of viruses elevates the risk of co-infections, can worsen chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD, and increases the probability of severe complications leading to hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable populations.

    In contrast, the ministry reported stable conditions for other monitored diseases. No new cases of cholera, dengue, or COVID-19 were recorded, with all three remaining under control and under mandatory notification protocols. Dengue cases show a substantial decline with a cumulative 273 confirmed infections to date, a drastic reduction from the 1,315 cases confirmed during the analogous period in 2024.

    Malaria transmission persists, with three new cases raising the annual total to 836. Active foci are concentrated in the provinces of Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña, Santo Domingo, and Independencia, with outbreaks linked to agricultural corridors and environmental factors supporting mosquito vector proliferation.

    One additional case of leptospirosis was confirmed, bringing the national total to 156. The zoonotic disease maintains a transmission pattern associated with seasonal rains and flooding, which increase human exposure to contaminated water and environments conducive to rodent proliferation.

    The epidemiological report also detailed mortality figures, noting four maternal deaths during the week, keeping pace with 2024 data. The cumulative maternal death toll for the year stands at 156, a 4% decrease from the previous year’s 163. The fatalities comprised 66 Haitian and 90 Dominican women.

    Furthermore, 29 infant deaths were reported, increasing the country’s annual total to 1,661. The highest incidence rates are in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and the National District, areas significantly affected by high population density.

  • WHO warns of challenges to malaria elimination

    WHO warns of challenges to malaria elimination

    A recent World Health Organization (WHO) global malaria report presents a dual narrative of significant progress and persistent challenges in the fight against the disease. The data reveals a devastating concentration of the malaria burden, with an estimated 95% of all fatalities occurring within the WHO African Region, predominantly affecting children under five years of age.

    Despite this sobering reality, the expanded deployment of innovative interventions has yielded substantial positive outcomes. The widespread introduction of new tools, including dual-ingredient insecticide-treated nets and malaria vaccines, proved highly effective in 2024, preventing an estimated 170 million infections and averting approximately one million deaths. A key preventive strategy, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, has seen remarkable growth. Now implemented across 20 nations, this approach reached 54 million children in 2024—a dramatic surge from a mere 200,000 children covered in 2012.

    Certification milestones further underscore the global advancement. To date, the WHO has officially recognized 47 countries and one territory as malaria-free. Cabo Verde and Egypt attained this esteemed status in 2024, with Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste joining their ranks in 2025.

    However, the report sounds a strong alarm on emerging threats that jeopardize these gains. A growing resistance to antimalarial medications is significantly impeding elimination efforts. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized this precarious balance, stating, ‘New tools for malaria prevention give us new hope, but we still face significant challenges.’ He specifically warned that rising case numbers and mortality rates, compounded by the escalating drug resistance threat and the repercussions of funding cuts, risk reversing the hard-won progress achieved over the last twenty years. Consequently, a central objective of the Global Malaria Technical Strategy 2016–2030—the radical reduction of malaria deaths—remains distressingly out of reach.

  • PAHO launches tool to assist survivors of sexual violence

    PAHO launches tool to assist survivors of sexual violence

    The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a groundbreaking assessment instrument designed to revolutionize care for survivors of sexual violence across Latin America. This initiative emerges against a distressing regional backdrop where epidemiological studies indicate approximately one in three women endures physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.

    Unveiled during a specialized webinar focused on enhancing support systems for female survivors, this evidence-based tool equips public health authorities with a standardized methodology to evaluate emergency room and clinic services. Its primary function is to identify critical deficiencies in post-assault medical care and facilitate data-driven improvements in clinical response protocols.

    Britta Monika Baer, PAHO Advisor on Violence and Injury Prevention, emphasized the ethical imperative behind the initiative: “Every woman and girl who has been sexually assaulted deserves timely, sensitive, and comprehensive health care. This tool represents a significant advancement toward ensuring that standard.”

    The development process incorporated extensive collaboration with Ministry of Health teams and regional specialists on gender-based violence, ensuring the tool’s design reflects the operational realities and specific challenges faced by healthcare facilities throughout Latin America. By translating high-level regional commitments into practical action, the instrument enables countries to measure current service quality against survivor needs and implement targeted enhancements.

    This strategic intervention addresses one of the region’s most pressing public health and human rights challenges, creating a pathway toward systemic improvement in trauma-informed care for violence survivors.

  • Cancer challenge

    Cancer challenge

    In a powerful convergence of personal courage, football legend Shaka Hislop and fashion industry veteran Christopher Nathan have simultaneously brought prostate cancer into the public spotlight through their brave disclosures. Their divergent experiences with the disease underscore critical gaps in male healthcare awareness and accessibility.

    Hislop, 56, credited early detection with saving his life despite having no genetic predisposition or family history of prostate cancer. The former goalkeeper maintained annual check-ups, which ultimately revealed his condition. After undergoing MRI scans and biopsies, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his pelvic bone by mid-2025. His recent completion of radiation treatment represents a success story of proactive healthcare.

    In stark contrast, 63-year-old Nathan’s journey began with persistent back pain initially misdiagnosed as osteoarthritis at multiple medical facilities. Only when his symptoms intensified recently did advanced testing reveal stage four metastatic spinal cancer originating from previously undetected prostate cancer. Nathan now faces the difficult choice between palliative care or aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

    Their stories emerge against a troubling backdrop of cultural barriers that prevent men from seeking timely medical attention. Deep-rooted taboos, gender norms promoting ‘macho’ indifference to vulnerability, and widespread distrust in healthcare systems contribute to dangerous delays in diagnosis. This is particularly concerning in the Caribbean region, which suffers among the world’s highest prostate cancer mortality rates.

    According to Ministry of Health statistics from 2016-2020, prostate cancer accounted for 18.2% of all cancer deaths nationally, primarily affecting men over 55. Alarmingly, global trends identified by the American Cancer Society indicate rising cancer rates among adults under 50, amplifying the urgency for improved detection protocols and dismantling healthcare stigmas.

    The parallel disclosures from these prominent figures from different generations and professional backgrounds create a unique opportunity to transform how societies approach male wellness, emphasizing that early intervention transcends age, status, or perceived invincibility.

  • 13-y-o battles rapidly worsening scoliosis as family struggles to raise funds for surgery

    13-y-o battles rapidly worsening scoliosis as family struggles to raise funds for surgery

    Thirteen-year-old Jamaican student Shanita Bruce faces an escalating medical battle with severe scoliosis that has abruptly halted her athletic pursuits and normal childhood activities. What began as a minor concern detected at age eleven has rapidly progressed into a debilitating spinal condition that causes frequent pain and functional limitations.

    Medical imaging reveals significant rightward curvature of Shanita’s spine, with the angle worsening dramatically over the past two years. The condition has transformed her from an active track and field enthusiast to someone who experiences chest and back pain with basic movement. Her father, Sean Bruce, recounts how some days she cannot even attend school due to her inability to maintain a seated position for extended periods.

    Daily life has become increasingly challenging for the teenager. Her mother describes how Shanita must frequently lie down to alleviate spinal pressure and struggles with pain during routine activities like standing, sitting, or even styling her hair. Although Holy Childhood High School has recommended a specialized chair to accommodate her needs, the young student has expressed reluctance to use equipment that might draw attention to her condition.

    Despite these physical limitations, Shanita maintains remarkable resilience and continues participating in dance, singing, and drama activities within her physical capabilities. Her family confirms that spinal fusion surgery remains the only viable medical solution, with estimated costs exceeding $4 million Jamaican dollars (approximately $25,600 USD) for the procedure, medical tests, spinal hardware, and postoperative care—excluding separate surgeon’s fees.

    The Bruce family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign alongside local fundraising efforts including cake sales to finance the life-changing operation. Shanita’s mother, who recently joined online scoliosis support communities, describes the research process as emotionally overwhelming yet necessary. She emphasizes the critical importance of early intervention, urging parents to seek multiple medical opinions and pursue physiotherapy before conditions become severe enough to require surgical intervention.

    While confronting the realities of postoperative recovery—including potential assistance with basic functions and significant pain management—the family maintains hope through Shanita’s unwavering faith and determination. The young patient herself understands the necessity of the procedure, primarily wishing to prevent further physical deformity.

    This case has highlighted broader concerns about healthcare accessibility in Jamaica, with the family advocating for more affordable treatment options for children diagnosed with scoliosis. Those wishing to support Shanita’s medical journey can contribute through their GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/83cdd1670.

  • Chinese hospital ship to provide free medical care in Barbados for Christmas

    Chinese hospital ship to provide free medical care in Barbados for Christmas

    The People’s Republic of China will deploy its advanced naval hospital vessel, the Silk Road Ark, to Barbados during the Christmas season to deliver comprehensive medical care at no cost to local residents. This initiative marks the ship’s inaugural international humanitarian mission, scheduled from December 20-27, 2024.

    According to Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness, the floating medical facility will offer services from December 21-26, operating daily between 8:00-11:00 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM. The vessel represents one of the most sophisticated mobile medical platforms globally, featuring five specialized medical zones, eight fully-equipped operating theaters, and emergency helicopter capabilities.

    Medical services encompass over sixty treatment modalities across fourteen clinical disciplines. Specialized care will include cardiovascular and respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, otolaryngology, and traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Surgical interventions will range from appendectomies and hernia repairs to fracture stabilization, cataract procedures, and various endoscopic operations.

    Stringent health protocols will be enforced to minimize infection risks, with restrictions applied to individuals presenting fever exceeding 37.5°C, active tuberculosis, comatose states, or critical infectious conditions. All Chinese medical personnel aboard will hold valid registrations with Barbadian professional councils, and patients may access services without mandatory referral documentation.

    Health officials characterize this deployment as a significant humanitarian gesture during the holiday period, providing Barbadians unprecedented access to advanced medical care regardless of their healthcare status.

  • Health officials warn against improper use of some water products

    Health officials warn against improper use of some water products

    The Ministry of Health and Wellness has escalated public health concerns by issuing a formal advisory against numerous commercially available water products falsely marketed as deionized or distilled. Recent comprehensive evaluations conducted by the Ministry have uncovered that several products bearing these labels critically fail to meet established health and safety benchmarks.

    Official assessments indicate these non-compliant products pose potential health risks for both domestic consumption and clinical applications. Consequently, the Ministry is urgently advising consumers to strictly adhere to the usage purposes explicitly stated on product labeling, emphatically warning against their utilization for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene.

    In a significant directive to healthcare providers, the Ministry specifically alerted medical facilities and clinical institutions that these substandard products are deemed unsuitable for sterilization, wound care, or any medical procedures due to unverifiable quality assurance. The safety profile of these products for healthcare environments cannot be guaranteed, potentially compromising patient safety and clinical outcomes.

    The Ministry has activated additional channels for public assistance, directing concerned citizens and medical professionals to contact the Environmental Health Department directly at 536-3854 or 536-3855 for further clarification and guidance regarding product safety verification.

  • Belize Among Top Alcohol Consumers in the Americas

    Belize Among Top Alcohol Consumers in the Americas

    Belize faces a mounting public health emergency as new data reveals the nation ranks among the highest per-capita alcohol consumers in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond cultural celebrations, excessive drinking has evolved into a destructive pattern fueling addiction, non-communicable diseases, and domestic violence across the Central American nation.

    The Ministry of Health and Wellness convened a critical stakeholder forum this week to address the alarming trends. Medical experts presented disturbing findings indicating children are typically introduced to alcohol before age ten, with habitual drinking patterns solidifying during teenage years.

    Recovering addict Lee Henkis provided a harrowing firsthand account, tracing his substance abuse journey to childhood exposure. “My stepfather had me light cigarettes and clean marijuana for him under the house,” Henkis revealed. “It affected my life greatly—I lost educational opportunities, family trust, and ultimately myself.”

    The accessibility and affordability of alcohol, particularly potent illicit varieties known locally as “badman” or “fire water,” exacerbate the crisis. Felicia Hill of Remar Belize addiction recovery center emphasized, “The cheap alcohol is very accessible. People need to realize the damage it causes to health and mentality.”

    Dr. Lila Estephan, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator for Belize’s health ministry, framed alcoholism as a medical condition rather than moral failing. “Alcoholism is a disease, an addiction—we cannot blame the consumer,” she stated.

    Henkis, now sober for two-and-a-half years through Remar Belize’s program, represents hope for recovery. The nonprofit organization, operational since the 1990s, continues helping Belizeans overcome dependency while advocating for stricter enforcement of age verification laws and public awareness campaigns.