A Trinidadian man recently treated at the Mayaro Health Centre, after exhibiting prolonged
symptoms of fever, pains and tiredness was diagnosed with Malaria. The patient had recently
travelled from West Africa and other nations. Precautions were taken and he was admitted to
The Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where he was isolated and managed.
The patient was screened for Hepatitis, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, Leptospirosis, and Malaria. These more common diseases need to be excluded before a diagnosis of Ebola can be made. He tested positive for Malaria and treatment continued at the Complex according to reports from the Trinidad Government. The patient continued to receive treatment at the Eric Williams Medical
Sciences Complex.
The Ministry of Health informed the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago that while a global
emergency has been declared for the Ebola Virus, there are no suspected or confirmed cases
of the virus in this country. In spite of this, the Ministry of Health is on high alert to deal
with this situation. Indeed, a recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, Caribbean leaders met on the issues of chikungunya and Ebola.
“We would like to assure citizens of Trinidad and Tobago that plans have been developed based on past experiences with global epidemics. However persons traveling to countries where diseases such as malaria are endemic must take the necessary precautions to minimize their risk of exposure”, the statement said.
Citizens were reminded of the high mortality rate of Ebola and that it was not easily
contracted. To date, Caribbean countries with the assistance of the Caribbean Public Health
Agency (CARPHA) have been looking at strategic approaches should the deadly disease show
up in the Region.
(Additional sources – Trinidad Gov’t Information Service.)
