Pink eye has been on the increase in recent weeks in St Ann.
The monthly meeting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) on Thursday, September 14, was told that in recent weeks there had been an increase in viral conjunctivitis or pink eye cases in all health districts across St Ann. Medical officer of health Dr Deborah Weir told the meeting that there had been a significant increase in cases of pink eye over the last two to three weeks in the various health districts. She said St Ann’s Bay was the worst.
Dr Weir gave no statistics and none was asked for by any of the councillors.
She also spoke about other health issues, noting that she was pleased that there was a “noticeable improvement in garbage collection” at the markets.
She also informed the SAMC of improvements made at the Alexandria Community Health Centre where, through a private-public partnership, dental and pharmacy services are now available.
Councillors raised concern about sanitation in some areas, including the market area of Ocho Rios where there were reports of rat infestation. Also the Cole Gate basic school was closed because of rodent infestation. Councillor Ian Bell who raised the issue of the closure of the school, in his division, asked whether there was a programme of rodent eradication.
Dr Weir said there was none but she also said the school had been closed voluntarily and praised the work of the education officer who thought it was necessary to take action to prevent the danger to children at the basic school.
