ST. THOMAS:
HEALTH WARNINGS have been going out for consumers and residents of St. Thomas to be on high alert for dengue fever symptoms and to take every precaution to avoid exposing themselves to any alien matter that can cause the infectious virus to spread.
The medical officer of health for the parish, Dr. Yvonne Munroe, in addressing a local board of health meeting recently, reminded her audience that now was the time of year when the virus becomes multipliable.
Surveillance continues for the West Nile Virus which affects birds and persons should be on the look out for dead birds. If observed, reports should be made to the Ministry of Health or RADA.
Dr. Munroe was very emphatic that there was no direct evidence of the West Nile Virus reaching us yet, but insisted that precaution must remain constant. Dr. Munroe also reminded the meeting, and encouraged those present, to pass the word along that the water flowing at Roselle in the parish was not fit for consumption and called on persons doing so to desist.
Also speaking at the meeting, Chief Public Health Inspector, Cedric Lewis announced that a new vehicle had been obtained by his office and this would help greatly in the mosquito control programme.
Mr. Lewis went on to serve notice that many commercial food establishments would be served closure notices, as a consequence of their not meeting the required regulations. He said that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the public's interest and safety was assured.
