Antigua and Barbuda strengthens efforts to combat Impetigo outbreak

The Department of Health in Antigua and Barbuda is addressing recent cases of Impetigo, a contagious bacterial skin infection. The health administration reacting promptly to the prevailing situation, has taken the initial cases under its care.

Impetigo affects children in particular and is transmitted by direct contact or through contact with objects such as clothing or toys. Health wise, doctors recommend early detection and proper washing to avoid its spread.

The head of Antigua and Barbuda, Browne has endorsed public health measures to facilitate the treatment and quick elimination of the disease. It shows that the administration continues to pursue the enhancement of health care facilities and protection of the population’s health.

Browne’s led administration has embraced collaborations with many global agencies such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to build the healthcare capacity.

More recently, the health sector in Antigua and Barbuda like many others worldwide has seen the introduction of new technologies such as the District Health Information System (DHIS2).

Launched at the end of 2023 as the part of the public healthcare system, it essentially maintains surveillance continuity in the distant regions. The administration’s prevention strategy involves increased promotion of hygiene education in schools and daycare facilities.

Parents should familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the infection including red sores, and yellow crust like appearances and ensure that they take the child to a clinic if needed.

The public in general are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, clean the wounds and avoid sharing personal items such as combs and toothbrushes.

With improved expenditure on health facilities, Antigua and Barbuda seek to enhance a universal health care system, disaster response included. Education of the healthcare sector and contacts with the international materials help the nation control communicable diseases better.

These measures are an indication of pro-activeness of the island nation in the fight against the disease and in preventing outbreaks that might affect health of people.

The government still holds on to this vision of a healthier population of the country to achieve long term sustainability and people engagement in tackling the prevailing as well as future health crises.