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Barbados - Concerns about the level of influenza and the severity of some cases

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  • Barbados - Concerns about the level of influenza and the severity of some cases

    Jump in respiratory cases
    9/27/2013

    WHILE numbers of persons seeking help for influenza-like symptoms are not as high as last year, there has been a marked increase over the past three weeks.

    Health officials are concerned about the number of persons that have sought attention in this short span of time and the severity of the cases.

    Senior Medical Health Officer, Dr. Karen Springer, revealed that from August 23 to September 13 of this year, there were 137 cases of acute respiratory infection reported from the public sector compared to 94 cases for the similar period in 2012.

    Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Tennyson Springer, told the media yesterday, ?It is not necessarily the number of cases that would prompt the Ministry to step up action, but sometimes the severity of a case or the number of cases within a very small period, you would say something is happening here.

    ?We have concerns here at this point about the level of influenza and the severity of some of the cases. That is why we have taken the necessary precautions to talk to the public and try to get confirmation tests done on the samples, which we are sending off. We do have concerns as the agency responsible for health in the country,? he said.
    ...
    ?At this point in time, we are continuing the vigilance. Because of the circulation worldwide of H7N9 and Corona virus, we continue to be alert and vigilant as to the respiratory illnesses that are circulating.?
    ...
    Full text:
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

  • #2
    Re: Barbados - Concerns about the level of influenza and the severity of some cases

    Ministry Investigating Two Deaths

    Published on September 26, 2013 by Melissa Rollock

    The Ministry of Health is investigating two deaths which are associated with respiratory illnesses.

    Acting Minister of Health, Michael Lashley, made the disclosure today during a Press briefing at the ministry to address an increase in influenza-like illnesses on the island as well as a rise in the number of dengue fever cases so far this year.

    In reference to influenza, Mr. Lashley said that as of Wednesday, September 25, samples were collected from 10 patients and preliminary tests were done at the Public Health Laboratory here. These samples were then sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for further testing, he noted. These results are expected to be back within the next week.

    The Acting Minister added that the Ministry was also awaiting results from the Agency on the two persons who died.

    ?The Ministry will share the results of the testing with the public as soon as we receive word from CARPHA,? Mr. Lashley stated.
    He said that while H1N1 had been identified in some Caribbean countries, health officials here were unable to say ?at this time? if the current influenza cases were as a result of that virus. He stressed the need for persons to practise good hygiene measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

    ??Measures such as covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, along with proper disposal of tissues and thorough hand washing are the most effective measures for preventing the spread of respiratory infections. Whether it is H1N1 or any type of influenza virus, we need to continue to practise [these] measures.

    ?I am encouraging Barbadians to cooperate with public health instructions issued by the Ministry of Health. Persons who become ill are reminded that appropriate medical treatment is available. If you have symptoms of influenza, I strongly encourage you to seek medical attention at an early stage. This is especially important for persons who have chronic conditions,? Mr. Lashley emphasised.

    Addressing the matter of the increase in dengue fever cases, the Acting Minister said that ?as far as we know at this time? only one death from a mosquito-borne illness had been reported for the year. That death occurred in May. To date, there were 511 confirmed cases of dengue fever compared to 169 cases for the same period last year.

    As a result, he said the Environmental Health Division had implemented a number of measures to help reduce the level of mosquito breeding. He also appealed to householders to inspect their premises on a weekly basis to eliminate places where water could settle and where mosquitoes could breed.

    ?This is one of the most effective actions which members of the public can take to address this situation. Our public health officials will continue to undertake all protective measures as are needed at this time to address these two situations. We have a good surveillance system in place which will allow us to detect any new cases of influenza or dengue fever,? Mr. Lashley stated.


    http://gisbarbados.gov.bb/index.php?categoryid=9&p2_articleid=11325
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

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    • #3
      Re: Barbados - Concerns about the level of influenza and the severity of some cases

      Four cases of H1N1 flu in Barbados

      (Barbados Nation) The Ministry of Health has confirmed there are four cases of influenza A H1N1 in Barbados, with one death among these cases.

      News of this comes following results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad which tested ten samples which were sent to them last week. The other six samples were negative for the H1N1 virus.

      Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Ferdinand said the best way to reduce transmission of the virus was by practising good respiratory hygiene measures.

      ?Keep disposable tissue handy, so that you can cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, or use your elbow. Used tissue should be discarded in a covered garbage can or placed in a plastic bag. Frequent and proper hand washing is essential and we should avoid touching our eyes, nose or mouth as germs can enter our body this way,? she said.

      ...

      (Barbados Nation) The Ministry of Health has confirmed there are four cases of influenza A H1N1 in Barbados, with one death among these cases. News of

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