BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE number of confirmed cases in St. Lucia continues to increase, and the latest information from health officials in Castries includes that of a one-year-old child, according to information released today (Nov.17).
Information from the Ministry of Health and Wellness in St. Lucia confirmed five new cases of the virus, bringing the number of confirmed cases on the island to 178.
The island’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, made the announcement and provided a breakdown of the cases and the source of the ailment following contact tracing.
She said case number 174 is a one-year-old male from the Vieux-Fort district; case number 175 is a 13-year-old male from the Choiseul district; case number 176 is a 31-year-old female from the Gros-Islet district; case number 177 is a 54-year-old male from the Castries district;; and case number 178 is a 44-year-old male from the Gros-Islet district.
The CMO disclosed that three of the cases, including the one-year-old, were identified through the contact tracing process and an epidemiological link.
Speaking at a news conference today, Dr. George said that it was established that case number 174 is linked to cases numbers 109 and 165, while case number 175 is linked to cases numbers 109 and 163, and case number 176 is linked to case number 169.
Over the last several weeks, St. Lucia has seen rapid community spread of the virus, which has resulted in the cancellation of the proposed CARICOM Trave Bubble.
Just last week, the island recorded its first two deaths.
The territory currently has 116 active cases, all of which are in stable conditions.
“The Ministry of Health reminds everyone that we are all susceptible to the virus. However, there are people at greater risk such as the elderly and those living with chronic and underlying medical conditions. Therefore, we all have to play our part to protect the health and safety of our families, friends, colleagues and neighbours,” Dr. George advised.
