CARPHA to train lab techs to detect Zika

THE Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) will be providing training to technicians to detect the Zika virus and other mosquito-spread diseases.

In a release, CARPHA said the they would be embarking on a 12-month project, funded by the European Union to strengthen the system in TT and other CARPHA member states, which detects and prevents the outbreak of mosquito-spread illnesses.

As part of the project, CARPHA recently trained 13 public health officials in serological diagnostic techniques for Zika and the detection of human antibodies against Zika.

Over two days, from March 22 to 23, representatives from the Trinidad public health laboratory, Insect Vector Control division, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre, and the regional health authorities, were taught basic concepts of ELISA, and how to use an Elisa IgM Kit.

Over the next few months at least five other member states will receive the same capacity building training and technical assistacne.

The project is set to end in October 2018.