#13,975
Yesterday we saw media reports that 2 of the (now) 13 suspected cases in a cluster of respiratory illness among mine workers in Guyana had tested positive for Leptospirosis, and this morning we have official confirmation.
Additional laboratory testing is ongoing in order to detect (or rule out) any other infectious agents.Below you'll find two statements, released by Guyana's Department of Public Information, on the investigation. First, from the MOH, a statement that mainly tells us what this outbreak isn't.
No Swine Flu in Mathew’s Ridge
Apr 01, 2019 Government, Ministry of Public Health, News, Press Releases
DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 1, 2019
Public Health Officials have ruled out Swine Flu (H1N1), Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, Influenza A and B as possible causes of the recent spate of illnesses and death in Mathews Ridge.
Thus far, there has been no evidence of person to person transmission of infection. It is noted that only persons who were directly exposed to one common area became ill.
As of the Sunday, March 31, a response team comprising the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Surveillance, EH, doctors and nurses were dispatched to Region 1 to support the efforts taken in the region to address the illnesses. The fortified health response focuses on:
1) providing uninterrupted health services to the residents of Mathews Ridge and,The decision was taken to transfer all the patients with the acute respiratory illness, rash and fever to our tertiary institution – the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where critical care can be provided, should the need arise.
2) on conducting health assessments of all persons working in the mining area.
While the specialists continue to work on the seven patients admitted on Saturday, results have shown that two patients tested positive for Leptospirosis, which is known to be spread by direct contact with rat urine or faeces.
Further tests are being conducted locally, and samples will be sent overseas with support from PAHO and CARPHA to get further tests done to rule out other possible infections.
The Public Health Ministry is taking all necessary precautions to ensure staff and members of the community at Mathews Ridge are kept safe.
The mining company has been instructed to halt further exploration until the ministry and a team from the Occupational Health and Safety department of the Ministry of Social Protection can advise further. The Ministry of Public Health, along with partners, will continue to monitor the situation closely until resolution.
As we've seen with other developing countries, seasonal H1N1 is still regarded as `swine flu', and treated almost as if it was still a `pandemic' virus. The MOH began reassuring the population that this wasn't H1N1 several days ago.
The second official report is on the second meeting of their National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on this incident, which is coordinating the investigation and response.
Second NEOC meeting held to provide updates on action plan
Apr 01, 2019
─ NEOC monitoring the situation, deploying personnel at necessary locationsThe National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), activated on Sunday following reports of employees from the Guyana Manganese Incorporated (GMI) firm being infected by an ailment, today held their second meeting to provide updates to the action plan. The action plan was developed on Sunday at an initial meeting where agencies were designated specific responsibilities. The Director-General of the Civil Defence (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig activated NEOC to bring all the key stakeholders together to ensure there is a Common Operating Picture (COP).
─ ensuring all safety measures are being taken especially regarding use of personal protective equipment
─ tests are currently being conducted by Ministry of Public Health to identify the ailment
The Ministry of Public Health was identified as the lead agency for response. It will be supported by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA), Ministry of Communities (MoC), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The NEOC continues to monitor the situation and is deploying personnel at the necessary locations. It is also ensuring that all safety measures are being taken especially as it relates to the use of personal protective equipment.
Contrary to the reports in the local media, there has been no determination of what the ailment is but all the patients have displayed similar symptoms. Tests are currently being conducted by the Ministry of Public Health to identify the ailment.
Nikosi Bruce.
While Leptospirosis appears to be the leading candidate in this outbreak, it may not be the only infectious agent at work. We'll simply have to wait and see.
The CDC's Leptospirosis page describes the impact of this bacterial infection as:
Incidence and Trends
- It is estimated that 100-150 Leptospirosis cases are identified annually in the United States. About 50% of cases occur in Puerto Rico.
- The largest recorded U.S. outbreak occurred in 1998, when 775 people were exposed to the disease. Of these, 110 became infected.
- Although incidence in the United States is relatively low, leptospirosis is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world.
- It’s estimated that more than 1 million cases occur worldwide each year, including an about 59,000 deaths.
And a little over a year ago, in WHO List Of Blueprint Priority Diseases, while Leptospirosis did not make the final list, it was mentioned as a disease to watch.
Although not included on the list of diseases to be considered at the meeting, monkeypox and leptospirosis were discussed and experts stressed the risks they pose to public health. There was agreement on the need for: rapid evaluation of available potential countermeasures; the establishment of more comprehensive surveillance and diagnostics; and accelerated research and development and public health action.
This is an evolving story, and we will probably be following it for the next few days.
