Swine flu death reported in Bermuda

[Ronan Kelly]

Swine flu death reported in Bermuda
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6: At least one person infected with the swine flu has died in Bermuda since May 2009. A second local influenza death was not confirmed as an H1N1 case.

Testing for the H1N1 strain of influenza began in Bermuda in May 2009. Of the 73 people tested for the "swine flu" virus to date, there have been 25 recorded cases, according to the Department of Health. At least 11 people have been hospitalized with H1N1 flu symptoms.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann confirmed today in a press release that "cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza continue to be reported on the island". He stressed that influenza is usually a moderately severe illness in healthy children and adults. However, it can be very severe for people who are not healthy.

According to the World Health Organization, 12,220 deaths worldwide have been attributed to the swine flu. More than 208 countries have reported laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza.

However, influenza cases seem to have peaked in Western Europe and North America, Dr. Cann continued.

He emphasized the importance of vaccination for people who could be susceptible to influenza complications, including those who have a chronic lung disease such as asthma or emphysema, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes or a chronic metabolic disorder, severe anemia, or an immunosuppressive disorder.

A supply of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is now available on the island by prescription for high-risk individuals. The vaccinations can be obtained from the Hamilton Health Centre, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 11:30am. Doctors have also been given a limited supply for distribution in their offices.

Influenza vaccinations will be available to the general public at the Hamilton Health Centre starting Monday, January 18

http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=24&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=44129

[Tonka]

Re: Swine flu death reported in Bermuda

http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=151953&Itemid=1

Confirms first death from influenza in Bermuda
Written by Yolaidy Martinez Ruiz
thursday, 07 of 2010 of enero

07 of January 2010, 11:35 Hamilton, Jan 7 (Prensa Latina) The Bermuda Department of Health confirmed the first death from influenza A (H1N1) on the island, which remained without reporting new cases with the disease in past three weeks.

That agency informed the day before the death but did not specify the patient's personal data.

Also reported that the Caribbean nation recorded so far confirmed 25 cases of pandemic and 11 people hospitalized on suspicion of infection with the virus.

Bermuda began in late December against evil vaccination for pregnant women, children under two years, the elderly and people with asthma, diabetes or other chronic condition that could weaken the immune system, all included in the vulnerable groups.

Immunization for the rest of the Islanders will start next January 18.

Meanwhile, the latest report by the World Health Organization estimated at more than 12 thousand 220 deaths due to influenza globally.

rc / ymr

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Swine flu death reported in Bermuda

Govt. in about-face on H1N1 'death'
By Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch

Health Minister Walter Roban yesterday clarified that no one in Bermuda has died as a direct result of swine flu.

His comments came a week after local and international media reported that one person had died, based on a press release from Government. Last week it was announced that two deaths had been recorded one from the regular strand of influenza and "one laboratory confirmed case of 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu)."
Several media outlets ran reports on January 6, and for the rest of the week, that a Bermudian had died from swine flu. The Ministry did not alert the media that this was incorrect.

Nor did the Department of Communications' Health Ministry representative spell out that no one had died as a direct result of the disease during several conversations with reporters from this newspaper. Among several questions asked by journalists were the age and sex of the individual who died and whether the death happened on the Island.

Yesterday the Minister moved to clarify the situation.

"There have been no confirmed deaths due to H1N1 in Bermuda," Mr. Roban said. "However, there has been a death in a person with confirmed H1N1."
Minister Roban declined to comment on the cause of death of the person who tested positive for swine flu.

He added: "At this point in time, Bermuda has not seen the number of cases or transmission that was anticipated by public health authorities. Bermuda continues to see single cases.

"However, we must remain vigilant."

The swine flue vaccine is now available to the public at the Government Health Clinic and through local physicians. Since the vaccine became available on January 4, 200 people have gone to the Health Clinic for shots.

http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7da1a2b3003000f&sectionId=60