Guyana
Medical Association - Foulis Field Medical Centre
- February 4, 2005
Surendra Persaud M.D. President of the Guyana Medical
Association
With many areas remaining flooded and
the fact that a “basin” effect has occurred in many villages
and much of the water is unlikely to dissipate in the near future,
the health risks to persons in these areas will progressively increase.
It should also be noted that the health risks will not vanish when
the water recedes but will change from essentially being water-borne
illnesses to vector-borne illnesses.
The water in these areas is largely
stagnant and with the large numbers of humans and animals residing
in these waters, the degree of contamination with human and animal
excrement will continue to increase. The cases of confirmed and presumed
leptospirosis along with deaths are an indication of the degree of
contamination and the risk to persons in these areas. In addition,
other gastrointestinal illness presenting with vomiting and diarrhea
will also be largely due to bacterial or parasitic infection resulting
from the ingestion of sewage-contaminated water.
We would therefore strongly recommend that ALL persons, especially
women, children and the elderly, vacate the flooded areas at the
earliest possible opportunity. It is our belief that the continued
presence of humans in these areas will lead to greater morbidity
and mortality. Also, since the health threat is increasing and will
be sustained, preventative health care measures may not be as effective
as intended and thus every effort should be made to encourage citizens
to vacate ALL flooded areas.
Seen here Surendra Persaud M.D. the President of the Guyana Medical
Association and General Surgeon at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
in Kingston. Mr. Persaud manned the Foulis
Field Medical Centre on Sunday March 6th 2005
Over 140 residence of this village were clarked,
monitored, examined by the doctor, referred to the hospital where
needed and treated with a limited supply of medicines.
URGENT REQUIREMENTS:
A medical doctor
Portable water (six 400 gallon water tanks)
Pediatric Amoxicillin for prophylactic treatment
of leptospirosis (600 bottles)
12 thermometers
Vaseline
Cotton wool
Anti-tetanus injections
Syringes & needles
Gloves (Surgical)
List compiled by Deo Persaud RGN (UK) Seen here
showing care and compassion.
