7 News Belize

US Donates to Health For Flu Virus Detection
posted (January 31, 2018)
As we told you in our top segment, President Trump may have a serious score to settle with those countries who voted for that UN Resolution against the United States Embassy in Jerusalem - but, on the ground, assistance continues.

Today, the Embassy donated a neat and expensive piece of technology to the Central Medical Laboratory. It's called a thermocycler - and the donation is made in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control. We found out how this tool will find out what strain of the flu virus is circulating in Belize:...

Adrienne Galanek, Charge d'affaires - US Embassy
"We are here today to hand over thermocycler laboratory equipment to test for pathogens including influenza, dengue fever, zika, chikungunya and other viruses. This technology will enable testing for these diseases to be done in Belize without having to send samples abroad."

Dr. Ramon Figueroa, CEO - Ministry of Health
"When you had the scare of H1N1, I think more people relate to the swine flu and the H5N1 which was the bird flu and the worldwide scare. Well, this thermocycler will allow us now to determine the type of influence virus that is in the country. Every year we have the cases of flu and we are always concerned about the existence of any particular type of violent type of flu or influenza. This will allow us now to better diagnose quickly and to prepare and respond immediately and avoid any medical disaster in the country."

S. Cornelia Kaydos-Daniels, Director - Influenza Program - CDC
"A thermocycler doesn't look like much but it is a very important tool for us. It is a machine that enables us to conduct a scientific technique called polymerase chain reaction or PCR. PCR is a technique that makes copies of a segment of the DNA of a virus or other pathogen. In recent years Belize has had to rely on laboratories in other countries for molecular testing of samples. Now the central medical laboratory will be able to provide the Ministry of Health with fast, reliable information on diseases such as the influence and zika viruses."

Dr. Geraldine Morazan, Director of Laboratory Services "It will give us the opportunity to a prompt diagnosis by detecting the presence of the virus which will enable us to respond quicker."

The thermocycler is valued at $75,000 US Dollars. It comes with a package training and technical support.

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