The health minister also gave us an update on screwworm - which started as a problem in cattle, then wildlife, and now humans. He discussed awareness efforts:
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
"The ministry has been engaging immediately when the whole issue of screwworm and because it has hit humans, the ministry has engaged in constant communication through our social media pages, we have been on the media. Our public health officials are out on the ground and doing sensitization as well across this country because we have to make sure people understand what this screwworm can cause. Of course as they said it is a treatable illness as well but if it is left untreated it can also kill you and so we have to ensure that people are very much aware. I must thank the team at the ministry of agriculture through BAHA and the minister who has been very responsive working very closely with the ministry of health as well in terms of the quick response, our surveillance team. I must say that the minute we were able to identify and verify through the BAHA lab we have been on the ground getting those patients treated, getting the necessary medications. The first scenario, the first person who had it may have taken a bit too long to have visited the facility but is on a treatment getting the necessary treatment going as I said it is a treatable illness but if not treated can lead to something more dangerous."
