PM Kamla's grandson in hospital; dengue suspected

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar at home with her grandson last month while she was recuperating from dengue

The grandson of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is in hospital with symptoms that suggest that he may have dengue.

Kristiano Bissessar, 5, is under observation at the Paediatric Ward of the San Fernando General Hospital where medical personnel are following all protocols associated with dengue fever in the child's treatment.

Acting chief executive officer of the South West Regional Health Authority Dr Anil Gosine told local media Sunday doctors cannot confirm that it is dengue.

"At this point in time we can't say it is dengue...he is warded, he is comfortable and he is being taken care of. We have the paediatrician and the nurses taking care of him and he seems to be in good spirits," he said.

Part of the treatment in such cases is to keep the patient hydrated and the hospital is doing that for the child while monitoring him closely.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, who is out of the country, has sent a text message back home again warning citizens to pay attention to their surroundings to keep the deadly Aedis Egypti mosquito away.

"Dengue is present in our country and sometimes innocent people may suffer from the poor vigilance of others. I pray that the Prime Minister's grandson recovers as all our children with dengue, and hope that our population realises that dengue spares no one, " he said.

So far two children have died from dengue within the past two months.

Persad-Bissessar issued a statement expressing her gratitude for the expressions of concern for her grandson.

And she reminded the nation to continue to be alert. Persad-Bissessar herself was also struck down for a couple of days with dengue last month.