Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 06, 2017 (SKNIS): Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Hazel Laws, said that the Ministry of Health is taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of yellow fever in St. Kitts and Nevis.
She disclosed at yesterday’s press conference that preparations are being made to tighten surveillance at both air and sea ports where public health nurses will be stationed around the clock. This will be done as a precaution to screen travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is prevalent. Travelers will be required to produce their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to ensure that they have taken the necessary safety precautions.
Necessary precautions were taken because a traveler from the Netherlands contracted yellow fever from a trip to Suriname last week. Upon receiving this information, the CMO stated that meetings were held to brainstorm how the Ministry can be instrumental in combating this epidemic.
Dr. Laws said that the Ministry of Health is not only monitoring South America but other countries that are plagued by this disease. She also made reference to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website (http://www.who.int/ith/ITH_Annex_I.pdf) that has a current list of countries that are affected by yellow fever.
Prime Minister Harris commended Dr. Laws on her efforts since taking her new role as Chief Medical Officer back in September 2016 by stating, “I am heartened that you are up to date with so many issues, had no knowledge your task would be so involved but you are fitting in very nicely and we are encouraged by your leadership.”
