Health

(CNS): Government health officials have announced the closure of the specialist flu clinic on Monday as a result of a steady decline in the number of swine flu cases. All indications are that in the western hemisphere the peak of the H1N1 pandemic may have passed. However, officials warned that people should still remain vigilant as recent scientific data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates continued transmission elsewhere. Since 21 January, the vaccine has been available at HSA facilities, certain public venues and private physicians’ offices. This availability will continue at all HSA facilities and some private doctors’ offices but the speciality clinic will close.

(BBC): Scientists are breeding a genetically altered strain of mosquito in an effort to curb the spread of dengue fever. The dengue virus is spread by the bite of infected female mosquitoes and there is no vaccine or treatment. Experts say the illness affects up to 100 million people a year and threatens over a third of the world's population. Scientists hope their genetically altered males will mate with females to create female offspring that will inherit a gene limiting wing growth. The study is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The scientists say their approach offers a safe, efficient alternative to harmful insecticides.

(CNS): Although the recent suspected cases of dengue fever in the Cayman Islands have yet to be confirmed, government officials say that even if they prove to be positive the appearance of the virus is not related to any reduction in aerial spraying by the MCRU. The mosquito which can carry the dengue fever is present in the Cayman Islands but generally breeds in urban areas and is therefore not controlled by the widespread spraying from the air but by targeted reduction of stagnant water sources in gardens and yards.

(CNS): As well as raising around $20,000, the Cayman Heart Fund got an additional boost to their patronage at its annual Red Dress Valentine’s gala. Guest of honour, Governor Duncan Taylor, graciously accepted the CHF’s request to be the Fund’s new patron, the fund said in a release. During a short speech at the event, held at the Westin Casuarina over the Valentine’s weekend, Governor Taylor said he was delighted to accept the role of patron and was impressed by the turn out at the gala event, whereby female guests had all turned out resplendent in red dress. He said supporting the community gave a great deal of personal satisfaction. (Photo: CHF Chairman Suzy Soto, CHF Medical Director Dr Sook Yin, Governor Duncan Taylor and Mrs Taylor)

(BBC): Experts fear older women are ditching contraception in the mistaken belief that they cannot get pregnant past a certain age. The Family Planning Association (FPA) believes the message on infertility and age has gone "too far". Although fertility does wane, women can still get pregnant well into their thirties, forties and even fifties. Abortion rates for women aged 40 to 44 match those for the under 16s, figures for England and Wales show. In 2008, both of these groups had an abortion rate of four per 1,000 women. There are many reasons why some women opt for an abortion - including birth abnormalities in the baby, which are more common when the mothers are older.

(CNS): The three blood samples sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) from three Grand Cayman residents with suspected dengue fever have been forwarded to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) branch in Puerto Rico. Public Health officials said today (Wednesday, 3 February) that the samples did show signs of the mosquito borne disease and have therefore been sent for further testing.

(CNS): According the Public Health Department, there has been a substantial increase in the number of local gastroenteritis cases reported in the last month, which has prompted the department to issue an official statement on the situation. And according to a letter from Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler to staff in the Department of Education Services and parents of students, there has also been a confirmed case of hand, foot and mouth disease in a pre-schooler.

(Reuters): US health officials have leveraged the star power of first lady Michelle Obama to roll out a new campaign against obesity, a preventable condition that drains billions of dollars from the economy.  Obama, who plans to take on childhood obesity as a cause, headlined the launch on Thursday of Surgeon General Regina Benjamin's blueprint for what can be done at home, school and work to reverse the epidemic. In her first initiative since becoming "America's doctor," Benjamin issued a report on the consequences of obesity to start a national dialogue on the subject. "The number of Americans, like me, who are struggling with their weight and health conditions related to their weight remains much too high," she said.

(CNS): Public health officials said today (Wednesday 27 January) that blood samples have been sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Trinidad to test for possible dengue fever after three residents were hospitalized earlier this month. Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar confirmed that the three people had acute viral infections and officials now need to know if it could have been dengue fever. Officials also confirmed that the patients had no recent travel history.

(CNS): Following endless delays the medical officer of health has confirmed the arrival of the H1N1 vaccine in the Cayman Islands. Dr. Kiran Kumar said the shots had come from the UK and were now available free of charge to the general public from the Cayman Islands Hospital Atrium (next to the Pharmacy) and at all district health centres. Officials said the dates for the vaccine availability in Little Cayman will be announced later.  Dr Kumar encouraged people to take advantage of the free shots as he said the flu is still circulating and making people sick.

(CNS): Following dms Organisation’s collective efforts to get fit, which started back in November, the Cayman Islands-based business conglomerate said that Saxon Administration Ltd was the company within the group which emerged as the biggest loser. Teams were formed based on companies and departments, and Saxon lost a combined 102 lbs. Bringing international television sensation Biggest Loser  into the local workplace, dms played its own version of the popular hit show, enticing employees to kick off 2010  in healthier shape.

(Daily Finance): An influential advisory panel said that school-aged youngsters and teens should be screened for obesity and sent to intensive behaviour treatment if they need to lose weight — a move that could transform how physicians deal with overweight children. Treating obese kids can help them lose weight, the panel of doctors said in issuing new guidelines. But that's only if it involves rigorous diet, activity and behaviour counselling.  Evidence the panel evaluated shows intensive treatment can help children lose several pounds — enough for obese kids to drop into the "overweight" category, making them less prone to diabetes and other health problems.

(CNS): The arrival of the H1N1 vaccine has been delayed due to a strike at vaccine manufacturer Sanofi’s warehouse in France, Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar has confirmed. “We are disappointed by the delay, but hope that the vaccine will be shipped next week,” Dr. Kumar said. “As soon as it arrives, we will advise the public where and when they can be vaccinated,” he added.The Panenza vaccine, produced by Sanofi Pasteur in France and approved by the World Health Organisation and the European Union, will be available to everyone at the Cayman Islands Hospital, all district health centres, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman Clinic.

(CNS): Although the proposed plans by world famous Indian cardiac surgeon, Dr Devi Shetty, to develop a health city in the Cayman Islands have been broadly welcomed, local physician Dr Steve Tomlinson has warned that medical tourism may simply not work in this jurisdiction. In a trade journal article the Director of the Chrissie Tomlinson Hospital says that both Cayman law and the cost of living may make it very difficult for Shetty to be able to provide the low cost health care service that he has proposed.