Dr Vasantrao Gujadhur, head of the “Communicable Disease Control Unit”.
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A young Ghanaian girl, Naa Densua Mold, 28, died after contracting malaria. Doctor Vasantrao Gujadhur, director of the health service and responsible for “Communicable Disease Control Unit”, ensures that the protocol, in this case, has been followed. He also warns against seasonal communicable diseases.
Could Naa Densua Mold have been saved from malaria?
She was severely affected by the disease. As you know, all travelers must complete a form when arriving in Mauritius. In her case, when she answered the questions, she clarified that she did not feel any pain or discomfort. It was not until five days after her arrival on December 23 that she felt the effects of malaria. Be aware that the incubation period is 9 to 14 days before the disease develops.
She was immediately transported to a private clinic where she was tested. Knowing that she had symptoms related to malaria, the clinic informed us since it is the Ministry of Health who can treat it. In fact, she contracted the most severe and dangerous malaria. If we managed to cure the malaria she contracted from December 23 to January 1, we found that she had several complications, including a liver problem. These complications from malaria were fatal to him.
We often talk about protocol, but what exactly is it?
Once a person has visited a country classified as endemic to malaria, we follow their journey back to Mauritius. As soon as she leaves her card with the health officials at the airport, we contact her shortly after. This person remains under surveillance. We call her to ask if she has symptoms of fever or malaise. We also take blood samples, which we have analyzed.
If we see that the person is showing signs of malaria, they are immediately admitted and placed in quarantine. We put it under a mosquito net, we surround it with mosquito coils and we give it the appropriate medication. However, if the person is not feeling well, they should call us so that we can do whatever is necessary for them.
In this summer period, seasonal diseases are common. What are the steps to take?
Above all, people need to take precautions and their responsibilities. At the ministry level, we have already started our fumigation sessions to prevent the spread of mosquitoes on the island. We ask for people’s understanding to clean up their yard and get rid of standing water. You also need to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in the afternoons to protect yourself from mosquito bites that bring dengue, chikungunya and other diseases. People are also asked to wash their hands regularly to avoid gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis.
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