The Region Six administration has intensified preparedness measures to combat dengue fever and other flood-related illnesses following recent flooding across the region.
Speaking at the Region Six Regional Democratic Council’s monthly statutory meeting on Thursday, newly appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ronald Harsawack outlined a series of interventions aimed at protecting residents from health risks associated with the rainy season and floodwaters.
Harsawack said flooding often creates immediate challenges, while disease outbreaks typically emerge several days after floodwaters recede.
“We have known that traditionally May and June are the rainy season. We have also ensured that all of our health centres, and particularly those that are easily cut off, like in the Blackbush area, like in the East Berbice area, are fully stocked with the required and requisite drugs that may be needed for any flood-prone diseases,” Harsawack said
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He also noted that Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), Environmental Health Assistants (EHAs), and vector control teams have been instructed to continue fogging operations and mosquito-control activities, noting that stagnant water after flooding can increase mosquito breeding.
“We have instructed them to ensure that after the water recedes, we do a region-wide fogging exercise simultaneously so that no area is missed,” he said.
The region will also continue dengue testing and other routine health screenings, with mobile teams to be deployed where communities report symptoms.
“If you know of any specific area that is displaying dengue-like symptoms and you would like a mobile team, please let the department know, and we’ll send the team out to test the entire community,” Harsawack said.
He emphasised that the response effort involves coordination between the Health Department, Agriculture Department, Public Works Department, regional administration, local authorities, and community members.
Harsawack said the coordinated approach is intended to ensure Region Six remains prepared to address public health challenges during and after the flood season.
