The Opposition, A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), says Government must quickly suppress the outbreak of Chickenpox at the Lusignan Prison in Guyana, Alerting the nation of the outbreak the Opposition expressed great concern about the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government’s response and management of this latest health emergency.
Reports indicate that there are 25 active cases and 28 other cases in recovery. APNU+AFC Opposition believe that this clearly signals the lack of competence of the PPP/C Government and its disinterest in the wellbeing of the Guyanese people from all walks of life.
Primary varicella infection or chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the Varicella- Zoster Virus. The virus enters through the respiratory tract and the conjunctiva of the eyes. It reproduces in the nasopharynx and in the regional lymph nodes.
The incubation period is 14 to 16 days but can range from 10 to 21 days. The Mode of transmission is by person to person by direct contact, through droplets or airborne spread of vesicle fluid, or secretions of the respiratory tract. It can be spread indirectly by touching articles soiled by discharges.
The Opposition said it firmly believes there should have been better screening policies and tools to indicate evidence of varicella immunity especially for incoming inmates. Special attention should also have been paid to the staff members and the inmates who are susceptible and are in close quarters where transmission and spread of the disease could easily occur.
Recalling $2.8 billion was approved by the National Assembly in January 2024 for infrastructural works at the Lusignan and Mazaruni Prisons; and a further $130 million dollars to improve the operations and efficiency at the prisons, the coalition said “government must urgently move to ensure these allocations are properly expended to prevent outbreaks of Chickenpox and other such medical and health emergencies. It must report to the nation on the steps it has taken thus far and intends to take.”
To this end the Opposition has proposed better coordination between the Ministry of Public Health and the Minister of Home Affairs to combat the incidence and reduce the impact of this infectious and any other re-emerging disease. “Full-fledged efforts must be made to isolate the patients and susceptible persons, to disinfect contaminated surfaces, quarantine infected persons, protect workers, investigate the source of infection, and avoid overcrowding. These measures are important and if not adhered to can possibly have serious consequences for the wider population.”