According to the Public Health Department, out of the three dozen deaths meeting the local definition for a COVID-19 death in Cayman, one-third of the victims had diabetes, and eight had chronic kidney disease. Although 23 patients had hypertension, officials stated that this common condition does not necessarily increase the mortality risk. Hospital admissions for COVID-19 decreased last month, with only one death reported.
Cayman adopted the UK’s definition of a COVID-19 death, which includes any case where a patient died within 28 days of a positive test. So far, there have been 36 deaths meeting this definition reported in the COVID-19 national public health surveillance. The Cayman Islands General Registry also records all deaths on the island, including those where COVID-19 is mentioned on the death certificate.
Among the deaths recorded on the death registry, there are 31 cases where COVID-19 is mentioned on the death certificate. Of these, 29 deaths are included in the death registry and the COVID-19 national public health surveillance. Additionally, seven deaths reported by the COVID-19 public health surveillance do not have COVID-19 mentioned on the death certificate. Conversely, two deaths with COVID-19 recorded on the death certificate do not meet the definition of a COVID-19 death in public health surveillance.
Some victims may have died from unrelated causes but had tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous month. In contrast, others may have had COVID-19 in the past, contributing to worsening underlying conditions.
Officials emphasized that individuals reported as COVID-19 deaths often had other medical conditions, known as underlying comorbidities, which may increase the risk of severe infection if infected with COVID-19.
The report also mentioned the absence of monkeypox and cholera cases in the region, although dengue in Cayman Brac was not included.
The health roundup also highlighted men’s health, particularly during “Movember,” which raises awareness and funds for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer. International Men’s Day on November 19th recognizes men’s contributions and well-being in the world, families, and communities.
