Basseterre High School in the “clear”

By Caribbean Medical News Staff
After several complaints by students and teachers of mysterious rashes and illnesses, reports out of St. Kitts suggest that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is satisfied to date with work carried out at the beleaguered school by the Ministries in St. Kitts.
At a press conference held last month, CARPHA made its views public and allayed the fears of teachers, students and worried parents as the concern about rashes and respiratory illnesses were reported by some staff and students who claimed to have been allegedly sickened by the environment at the school.
“Overall, we found the remediation measures and the implementation of those measures to be satisfactory,” said CARPHA’s Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control, Dr. Babatunde Olowokure.
“Major improvements have been made to the laboratories such as the installation of extractor fans, replacement of louver windows, the instillation of fume cupboards and hoods as well as the appropriate use of shelving to store chemical materials, “ said Babtunde.
“All wet and damp materials and items such as books have been disposed of,” he further explained mentioning that damp conditions were ideal environments for the growth of mold.
Stating that effective control measures had been put in place to reduce the possibility of the growth of mold which might have contributed to reports of skin and respiratory irritation/illnesses, CARPHA was satisfied that the school could move on with vigilance by all stakeholders involved in the school.
Reports also indicate that water and sanitation was adequate but advised that chlorination in piped water be increased to increase protection while control measures were also put in place to reduce any pests or infestation by vermin.
CARPHA indicated that water had seeped into some areas of the school and asked the school authorities to be vigilant also advising that the environment be generally kept clean.
CARPHA commended Minister of Education the Hon. Nigel Carty and the Ministry of Health as well as a robust Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for bringing change to the school and arresting a health issue there.