COVID-19 containment requires intense studies
Published:Saturday | August 8, 2020 | 12:18 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
If the health and wellness ministry is really serious in its epidemiological approaches, a scientific basis for the containment of COVID-19 in Jamaica requires detailed pathological studies of those who have died from the virus.
Even if the 80-20 rule applies, the statistics indicate a death rate of 10 in every one thousand. At a glance, this appears to be, generally, the worldwide rate. However, with a backlog of the reported 10,000 cases, it could be assumed that there are 100 potential deaths. We must try to save those lives.
This is a dangerous task. However, the protective layers of garment must be applied as in the examination of other diseased cadavers, such as those with HIV, tuberculosis, and other highly dangerous contagious body-fluids pathogens. This study will determine the nuances, virus mutations of the disease in Jamaica, and contact tracing and provide a distinct and specific platform for prevention guidelines.
In some international news reports, it has been indicated that there are specific strains of COVID-19 that are more predisposed to causing death.
Jamaica needs the truth. Why would the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make such edicts against Jamaica if our statistics were reliable and valid? In the meantime, the long-term recovery rate needs to be supported with intense patient follow-up, medical workout, and monitoring. Questions surrounding recovery time and relapses need to be answered. We still have a lot to learn about COVID-19.
Sadly, there has been limited public engagement of the Jamaican medical fraternity to explain to the public their own interpretations. It is they who see patients and could best advise on how to manage the condition. There needs to be an open discussion with these experts with a multidisciplinary approach to effect and have effective long-term behavioural change.
UI JEM