This commentary on the news that there is a malaria scare in The Bahamas must begin -as it were- with an urgent call for the government to step up its response to what is clearly a major emergency.
We have already learned that The Ministry of Health continues to examine all the cases that have come to its attention. We also know that the cases of malaria reported in Exuma have now been referred to New Providence for testing, conclusive diagnosis and treatment.
We are also understanding that Health Minister, the Hon. Bernard J.Nottage and a team from The Ministry of Health and the Environment have previously traveled to Exuma to review the log books of the government clinics at George Town and Steventon. This was done to determine whether any patient presented with symptoms of malaria.
None was found then.
Here of late, other cases of malaria have surfaced.
The public wants to have a clearer idea concerning malaria. The public needs to know what it is up against.
We are also convinced that the public also needs to hear and learn all that it can about malaria. That public also needs to know how so-called ordinary people can help in the effort.
Malaria, though not endemic to The Bahamas, has shown up sporadically in cases imported into the country by foreigners who may have traveled to a place where the disease was endemic, Dr. Nottage explained.
It is vitally important to know and understand that the incubation period for the disease is reportedly seven to 14 days after a visit to a country in which malaria is endemic. Symptoms of malaria include recurrent bouts of fever, chills, body aches, pains and headaches.
Other research reveals that “malaria is a serious disease that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness, including chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice.
We also know that “plasmodium falciparum infections, if not immediately treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and death. Malaria can often be prevented by using antimalarial drugs and by using personal protection measures to prevent mosquito bites. However, in spite of all protective measures, travelers may still develop malaria.
In addition, it is to be noted that “malaria symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; however, any fever should be promptly evaluated.
The conclusion to the matter is clear, “malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history.”
Bahamians have no time to waste in dealing with this latest menace by way of health scare. The time for immediate, effective action is now.
It is our judgment that it is now quite clear that there are times in life when every moment that is consumed in dilly-dallying constitutes ﾖin and of itself ﾖa small tragedy. And so might it yet be for The Bahamas as it confronts the fact that malaria is here.
When the report surfaced a few days ago that there was one case of this debilitating and some times fatal disease on the island of Exuma, some Bahamians thought that this emergency would soon pass.
It has not. The number of confirmed cases is mounting.
Our call today is on our colleagues in media, the community at large, the government, all politicians, other social partners, Business, the Church and The Unions to encourage all and sundry to pitch in and help.
And believe it or not, so-called ordinary Bahamians can do a lot. If householders were to see to it that there is no stagnant water on their property, they would help.
And surely, if every child was encouraged to do the same, their effort would help.
The same principle applies to all other Bahamians and residents.
And for sure, those Bahamians who work in media have a special responsibility to help in broadcasting the word about malaria and as to what can and should be done to stop it dead in its tracks.
We promise to pull our weight.
Editorial from The Bahama Journal
