Lusignan Prison records reduction in active chickenpox cases
The Guyana Prison Service (GPF) on Saturday reported a decrease in active cases of chickenpox at the Lusignan Prison, located on the East Coast of Demerara, with only 18 cases currently being monitored.
Just three days ago, the Prison Service had reported 25 active cases of chickenpox alongside 28 individuals in recovery. Initially, the outbreak had affected a total of 53 inmates. However, as at Saturday, no new cases have been detected.
In addressing the outbreak, the Health Ministry had said it suspected the virus might have been transmitted within the prison by either an inmate, staff member, or visitor. When the initial cases had confirmed the diagnosis, precautions were swiftly implemented, including the segregation of affected prisoners, assessment of exposed staff members, and provision of vaccination where necessary.
Prisoners being vaccinated for the chickenpox outbreak
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Advisor to the Health Minister, has assured that the situation is being effectively managed. “Among the measures we have taken is to provide antivirals to treat the patients, and also calamine lotion to help relieve the itching,” he explained. In regard to visitor surveillance, Dr. Ramsammy emphasized the importance of contact tracing, considering the potential for asymptomatic transmission.
Medical and surveillance teams are diligently tracing contacts to pinpoint the origin of the infection with the aim of containing the spread within the Lusignan Prison. And proactive measures are being extended to other prison facilities, with medical teams conducting surveillance and screening exercises, and staff members being offered vaccinations as a preventive measure.
In an interview with Guyana Times, Dr Ramsammy speculated on the possibility of the outbreak originating from a newly admitted prisoner who may have been exposed in their home environment.
Before this outbreak of chickenpox, the Prison Service’s Annual Report had documented only one case of chickenpox, treated in 2021, highlighting the significance of the current outbreak.
