IN THE wake of yesterday's breach of the East Demerara conservancy dam, an emergency medical team and additional drug supplies were transported to the Cane Grove area, the Health Ministry said.

It said that up to late yesterday afternoon, no medical illnesses had been reported.

The Cane Grove Health Centre will temporarily operate out of the Cane Grove Primary School and the ministry said it has arranged for pregnant women and seriously ill persons to be moved from affected sections.

It advised residents to take precautionary measures, such as boiling all drinking water, or purifying it by the use of bleach, and to avoid meddling in the flood waters to prevent water-borne or skin diseases.

Most of the residents of Cane Grove use pit latrines.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement it will ensure that persons who become severely ill due to the flood will receive the necessary medical treatment.

It said provision has been made for tetanus shots and medical supplies to respond to skin irritations and possible diarrohea are already available.

The ministry said too that it was prepared to deal with snakebites that might result because of the flooding.

A public education programme has been started and will be intensified by tomorrow when most of the health problems might arise, it said.