Conch poisoning and GI virus cases down

Conch poisoning and GI virus cases down
Health Minister, Dr. Duane Sands.

The number of cases of gastroenteritis and conch poisoning in New Providence has experienced a marked decrease. 

While delivering the good news, Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands said, that since conch poisoning first surfaced on July 4th health officials have not been able to find conclusive evidence as to what sparked the growth of the bacteria in waters at Arawak Cay, Potter’s Cay and Montague Beach.

“We have witnessed a marked decrease in the total numbers of conch poisoning (cases), but we did have another case last week. So, again we reiterate the recommendation to enjoy conch, but make sure it is washed in fresh water,” he said.

“We do not believe at this time that there is any connection between any of the excavation works that are happening in the Nassau Harbor and what is happening with the vibrio parahaemolyticus.”

The same is to be said for those dozens of cases of gastroenteritis reported at Sandals Resort.

The health minister was unable to conclusively confirm what led to the outbreak.

But Dr. Sands was able to confirm that numbers of confirmed cases of the violent stomach virus are down.

About Theo Sealy

Theo Sealy is an award-winning journalist who serves as senior broadcast reporter and weekend TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. He has achieved several career milestones, including his work as a field contributor with CNN, his coverage of four consecutive general elections, his production of several docuseries and his Bahamas Press Club Awards win for “Best Television News Story” in 2018.