CMO, officials meet Hillaby school staff amid health concerns 

A high-level team of health and education officials moved swiftly on Monday to address growing concerns at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School after a number of students reported symptoms consistent with scarlet fever.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George confirmed that 13 cases had been reported and investigated following concerns over students presenting with symptoms including rash, fever and sore throat. However, laboratory testing revealed that only one case was positive for Group A Streptococcus, the bacterium responsible for scarlet fever.

The findings were disclosed during a meeting involving senior officials from the Ministries of Health and Wellness and Education Transformation, representatives of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), the Association of Public Primary Schools (APPS), and members of the school’s staff.

Below is the statement issued by the Ministry of Education Transformation:

Today, Monday, June 1, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Arthur Phillips and Environmental Health Officer Edward St John, along with Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles and other officials from the Ministry of Education Transformation, representatives of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Association of Public Primary Schools (APPS), met with the staff of Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School.

The meeting was held following ongoing concerns regarding students at the school presenting with symptoms including rash, fever and sore throat.

The chief medical officer confirmed that 13 cases had been reported and investigated. Of those cases, only one case tested positive for Group A Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes scarlet fever.

Dr George listened and responded to the concerns raised by staff and assured them that they were not at increased risk but encouraged them to remain vigilant. He advised that students presenting with symptoms should be collected by their parents and taken for medical attention. He further emphasised that a child diagnosed with scarlet fever is generally no longer contagious within 24 hours of commencing antibiotic treatment.

The chief medical officer also stressed the importance of good hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, early identification of symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention where necessary. He assured staff that the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The Ministry of Education Transformation continues to be committed to ensuring that staff and students teach and learn in a safe environment. We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to monitor the situation and implement the necessary measures to support the health and wellbeing of the school community. (PR)