(CNS): Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan has written to Premier André Ebanks asking for information on surveillance measures and protocols in place to monitor for hantavirus within our borders and at all points of entry. There are global concerns that dozens of people who disembarked from the cruise ship MV Hondius before the outbreak on board was detected could be infected.
The ship is currently in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa and is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands on 10 May. Health officials around the world are trying to track all passengers who disembarked on the island of St Helena on 24 April.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency has said the risk to the Caribbean remains low, but it is advising all member states to remain vigilant, review and strengthen vessel surveillance systems as well as public health protocols at ports of entry.
The World Health Organization has said the outbreak is not the start of a pandemic, as seen with Covid-19, because hantavirus spreads only through “close, intimate contact”. Five cases of hantavirus on the cruise ship have been confirmed, including three deaths, and there are now suspected cases in several countries.
In his letter, Bryan asked the premier to provide “clear and immediate assurances to the public regarding our islands’ preparedness”. He said the people of the Cayman Islands deserve to know that the “government is taking every necessary precaution to safeguard their health and well-being”.
He asked how the government is preparing to respond to any potential cases and what information it plans to disseminate about the risks and preventive measures associated with hantavirus.
See the full text of Bryan’s letter below.
Dear Premier Ebanks,
I am writing to you today in my capacity as Deputy Leader of the Opposition and on behalf of the Citizens and Residents of the Cayman Islands to express growing concern regarding the recent outbreak of Hantavirus, which has now been reported in over six countries. Given the virus’s potential for widespread impact and the current fears of a burgeoning pandemic, it is imperative that our government provides clear and immediate assurances to the public regarding our islands’ preparedness.
As you are well aware, the Cayman Islands is a premier international tourism destination, welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe. This high level of international connectivity, while vital to our economy, also necessitates a robust and proactive strategy for managing public health risks associated with infectious diseases.
In light of this, I am formally requesting a comprehensive update on the following:
- Current Surveillance Measures: What specific protocols are in place to monitor for Hantavirus within our borders and at all points of entry?
- Public Health Resources: What steps have been taken to ensure our medical facilities and public health officials are equipped with the necessary resources and training to identify and manage potential cases?
- Inter-Agency Coordination: How are various government departments, particularly those responsible for health, transport, and tourism, collaborating to ensure a unified and effective response?
- Public Communication Plan: What information is being disseminated to residents and visitors to educate them on the risks and preventive measures associated with Hantavirus?
The people of the Cayman Islands deserve to know that their government is taking every necessary precaution to safeguard their health and well-being. I look forward to your prompt response and to the opportunity to discuss these critical matters further.
Yours sincerely,
Kenneth Bryan, MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Labour and Tourism, Member of Parliament for George Town Central
