All articles tagged with #ministry of health
Vietnam reports its first case of avian flu A/H9 in a 37-year-old man from Tien Giang Province, who is currently under intensive care. The virus is believed to have originated from poultry, and close contacts are being monitored. With no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the Ministry of Health confirms this as the first recorded case in Vietnam, emphasizing the lack of a cure or vaccine for avian flu.
St Lucia has confirmed new cases of leprosy this year, following 11 cases last year, with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs warning that the disease still affects millions worldwide. The ministry emphasized the long incubation period of leprosy and the stigma associated with it, and announced plans to introduce treatment for close contacts of infected individuals. World Leprosy Day, held annually on the last Sunday of January, aims to raise awareness about the disease and this year's theme is "Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity." Leprosy is curable using a combination of drugs available free of charge within the public health system.
A massive fire broke out at Tehran's Gandhi hospital, with no reported injuries as patients were transferred to other medical centers, while the cause of the fire remains unknown.
Bermuda's COVID-19 and influenza vaccination campaign sees high demand, with all slots fully booked after opening last week. The Ministry of Health received 5,760 adult doses and 2,880 pediatric doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and efforts are being made to create more appointment slots. Vaccines will be provided to General Practitioners free of charge to supply their patients, and priority is given to residents at an increased risk of severe illness for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has reported two confirmed cases of influenza A(H5N1) in the same village in Kampot Province. Both cases had exposure to sick backyard birds. The first case died while in the hospital, while the second case is currently being treated. The Ministry of Health is investigating the source of the infection and coordinating response activities, including active surveillance, identifying close contacts, and conducting health education campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the risk to the general population as low and advises the public to avoid contact with high-risk environments, maintain good hand hygiene, and report instances of sick or unexpected deaths in animals.
Costa Rica is experiencing a surge in dengue cases, with 22,561 cases recorded so far, a significant increase compared to last year. Health authorities attribute the rise to favorable climatic conditions for mosquito proliferation. The Huetar Caribe region has been the most affected, followed by Central Norte and Central Pacífico. The Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to control the spread of the disease, including fumigations, eliminating breeding sites, and targeted door-to-door visits. The public is urged to take preventive measures such as regularly cleaning water containers, cooperating with officials, and using mosquito nets and repellent. Individuals with symptoms are advised to seek medical evaluation and treatment promptly.
The principal medical officer of Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Health, Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards, highlighted the difficulty in getting men to screen for prostate cancer, despite it being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the country. She emphasized the importance of connecting and communicating with patients to promote preventative methods and screening. Prostate cancer accounted for one in five cancer-related deaths between 2016 and 2020, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, making it a significant public health problem. The Ministry of Health includes prostate cancer in its non-communicable disease reduction strategy, focusing on risk identification, screening, behavior change, education, empowerment, and clinical management. The Caribbean Urological Association's annual meeting aims to provide updates on various urological conditions, including prostate cancer.
The Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed an outbreak of chickenpox at Five Rivers Secondary School, with 15 cases reported among students in two classes. The affected classrooms have been closed and sanitized, and the Parent Teacher Association has been trained on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of the virus. The TT Unified Teachers' Association has expressed satisfaction with the school's response and hopes for no further spread. The ministry reminds the public that chickenpox is not new to the region and advises parents to be vigilant for symptoms. Good hygiene practices are recommended to prevent and reduce the spread of chickenpox.
Saint Lucia has recorded 450 cases of COVID-19 to date, despite a generally low testing rate, according to the Ministry of Health. The rise in cases is attributed to the Eris variant, which has been found in the US and UK. While there has been an increase in patients with respiratory symptoms, many individuals are doing COVID-19 tests at home, potentially leading to underreporting of cases. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and encourages individuals to get tested and take preventative measures. Additionally, gastroenteritis cases are also on the rise in the country.
The extreme heat in Mexico has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people since March, with a total of 249 deaths reported by the Ministry of Health. The majority of deaths were caused by heat stroke, and the government has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear appropriate clothing to protect themselves from the high temperatures.
The Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed the first case of the MPOX virus in the country. The patient is a middle-aged male with a travel history. The ministry has initiated a local public health response, including contact tracing. The MPOX virus, which can range from mild to severe illness, is spread through close contact or respiratory droplets. Common symptoms include a skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The ministry advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to visit their nearest health facility and reminds the public to maintain good hygiene practices. The MPOX vaccine is available in Trinidad and Tobago but currently reserved for contacts of known positives.
The Peru Government has declared a national health emergency for 90 days due to a significant increase in cases of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS). The declaration allows for the purchase of immunoglobulin for GBS treatment for the next two years. So far, 182 GBS cases have been reported, with 31 patients hospitalized and 147 discharged. The Ministry of Health is working with regional authorities to ensure proper treatment for patients. GBS is a rare disorder that affects the nervous system, causing muscle weakness and paralysis, with symptoms lasting for weeks.
The Ministry of Health has received a donation of 5,760 doses of the Pfizer Comirnaty COVID-19 Vaccines from the Government of Greece through the COVAX facility. The vaccines are suitable for individuals twelve years and older, and the Ministry encourages those who have not yet been vaccinated or boosted to visit a health center. The vaccines will be available starting July 9.