Portland Residents Urged to Continue Flu Prevention Measures

The Portland Health Department is urging residents to continue to practise influenza prevention-and-control measures such as proper hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette.

Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, made the call while addressing the recent monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation.

She said that the “influenza season is still on” and persons should ensure that they wash their hands frequently, and cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue to prevent the spread of germs.

She is also encouraging regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

Dr. Lewis said that persons who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay away from crowded areas.

“Persons who are going to the doctor for flu-like symptoms should wear a mask that properly covers their nose and mouth. Also, persons in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, persons with chronic non-communicable diseases, institutionalised persons, healthcare workers, and other workers who interface with a large population on a daily basis, such as the police and soldiers, should also receive the influenza vaccine,” she advised.

Dr. Lewis also reported that the necessary interventions are taking place at early-childhood institutions where cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been identified.

“As a reminder, young children [with HFMD] are to be kept from school and kept well hydrated. They may be taken to the doctor if their appetite is poor and if there is concern about the fever. Measures should also be taken at the affected early-childhood institutions to prevent the spread of the disease,” she noted.

Dr. Lewis said, further, that frequently touched surfaces, toys and utensils are to be cleaned regularly with either soap and water, 70 per cent alcohol solution, or the recommended dilution of five per cent bleach.

“We are hoping that the number of cases of HFMD will return to zero cases per month soon,” she said.

She added that the parish childhood immunisation programme continues to be prioritised.

The Medical Officer of Health also called on citizens to play their part in eradicating mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever by searching for and destroying breeding sites.

Regular breeding grounds for mosquitoes around the home include water drums, old tires and flowerpots.

“Take the necessary measures to prevent the settling of water or to prevent access to water by the mosquitoes through covering of drums. Dengue fever can be deadly, so prevention is better than cure,” Dr. Lewis said.