Dominica Reports Cases of Delta Variant of COVID-19

Dominica has confirmed the presence of the Delta strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and is urging citizens to get vaccinated to curb the spread of the pandemic.

Health Minister Dr. Irvine McIntyre said confirmation of the variant being present came from the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the University of the West Indies (UWI).

“We finally received confirmation from CARPHA that we do have the Delta variant in Dominica. All of our samples sent to CARPHA which were subsequently sent to the University of the West Indies for sequencing returned positive for the Delta variant,” the Health Minister said in a broadcast without giving the number of positive cases.

He said this particular variant really has no cough and fever, rather joint pain, headache, neck and upper back pain, general weakness, loss of appetite and pneumonia.

“The Delta variant is also more virulent and takes less time to become extreme leading to a higher death rate. This is because the Delta variant does not remain in the nasal cavity for a long period of time, but quickly settles down to the lungs leading to pneumonia and in some cases eventually leading to death,” he said.

- Advertisement -

Dr. McIntyre said Dominicans needed to participate fully in the national vaccination program with the Pfizer vaccine also becoming available.

“We have had numerous consultations with the Ministry of Education since Pfizer vaccines will be available to persons within the age group 12 to 17 years as well. We are developing new strategies to get to the target population to include the corporate sector, public service, schools and the wider community.

“We have on island enough vaccine doses to achieve herd immunity,” he said, adding there were options in vaccines available to the country.

“Vaccination is not only a Ministry of Health or government activity. The government has made vaccines available at no cost to the people of this country. We have to be responsible for ourselves. We not only decrease transmission but to protect the vulnerable and elderly at home.

‘We have seen that the unvaccinated are most at risk of death and we must take heed,” Dr. McIntyre said.

Dominica has recorded four deaths and 1, 638 positive cases linked to the COVID-19 since the first case was detected in March last year.

CMC

More Stories

US travel ban

Caribbean nations included on draft US travel ban proposal

According to a report by The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that would affect several Caribbean nations. The...
NMIA Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport

Fire at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston disrupts flights

Emergency responders worked overnight to contain a fire that broke out in the Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)...
Guyana Government to assist sugar workers

Guyana in diplomatic talks with US over Cuban medical missions sanctions

The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to address concerns over the expansion of US restrictions on Cuba’s...
Nearly six thousand people killed Haiti in 2024

IACHR expresses concern over worsening security crisis in Haiti

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has voiced grave concerns over the escalating security crisis in Haiti, citing a surge in extreme violence...
Owen James

Jamaican media mourns the passing of veteran journalist Owen James

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist Owen James, hailing him as a trailblazer in...
Turks and Caicos

US warns Americans not to travel with firearms or ammo to Turks and Caicos

The U.S. Department of State has issued a forceful warning to American travelers, urging them to leave all firearms and ammunition at home when...
Barbados to host 69th CARPHA

Barbados to host 69th CARPHA Health Research Conference focused on mental health

Barbados will host the 69th Annual Health Research Conference of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) from May 7 to 9, with a...
Stuart Young

Stuart Young to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on March 17

Energy Minister Stuart Young is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on March 17, following Dr. Keith Rowley’s...
Issa Trust Foundation

Issa Trust Foundation expands neonatal training in Jamaica

From February 28 to March 14, 2025, the Issa Trust Foundation spearheaded a critical initiative to enhance neonatal care in Jamaica by providing specialized...
eGov Technology Showcase

Jamaica advances digital transformation at eGov Technology Showcase

The future of Jamaica’s digital transformation took center stage at yesterday’s eGov Jamaica Limited GOJ Digital Government Technology Showcase at the Jamaica Pegasus. The event,...

Latest Articles

Skip to content