Health Dept. investigates illness in Cayo and Orange Walk

In government news, the Ministry of Health has embarked on a campaign to detect and control the spread of leptospirosis which is believed to have caused the death of one child in Benque Viejo del Carmen. According to the Ministry a resident of Orange Walk has also tested positive for this bacterial disease transmitted from animals such as rats to humans. A public health education program is being carried out and rodent control efforts will be heightened. Health care professionals will also be made aware of the possible source of the infection and how to provide treatment. An investigating team will be in the Cayo District tomorrow and then move on to Orange Walk. The report of the Ministry’s efforts was made at today’s Cabinet meeting in Belmopan. Among the other issues discussed was the Ministry of Human Development, Women and Youth’s efforts to establish a National Youth Cadet Service Corps. The corps will target out-of-school unemployed youth between 14 and 25 who exhibit anti-social behavior. The program will give the youths the skills necessary to obtain entry-level jobs and information about job placement. And finally, the Ministry of Natural Resources has agreed to seek tenders to operate the Forestry Workshop in Belmopan. The Ministry says the intention is to encourage the private sector to tap into a growing demand for high quality furniture.