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  • Jamaica - Cases -191 Deaths - 6

    FLU UNDER CONTROL - Health officials treat H1N1 cases

    Published: Sunday | May 31, 2009

    Lovelette Brooks and Gareth Manning, Sunday Gleaner Writers

    THE VIGILANCE of local health officials has resulted in the detection and treatment of two cases of the H1N1 influenza virus - commonly called swine flu, health officials disclosed yesterday.

    "Laboratory reports have confirmed two cases of the H1N1 influenza virus," Health Minister Rudyard Spencer told The Sunday Gleaner in a short telephone interview as health officials held an emergency meeting at the Ministry of Health in downtown Kingston.

    In a subsequent press release, the Ministry of Health explained that "two persons who are from St Andrew and St Catherine have been located by personnel from the ministry's surveillance team and the necessary investigations and follow-up visits have taken place. Both persons have recovered satisfactorily. All household contacts have been investigated, samples were taken and they have been declared in good health by the medical teams."

    Imported cases

    The health ministry noted that the two cases of influenza A have been imported. "The persons had travelled to New York, in the United States, which has recorded a number of confirmed influenza A cases. The cases were quickly detected as a result of the ministry's heightened surveillance and monitoring mechanisms," the ministry stated.

    The statement stressed that the ministry's "surveillance and monitoring team has detected no local spread to date".

    Since the swine flu first appeared in Mexico in March, Jamaican health officials joined counterparts globally in preparedness mode. The health ministry said it has enhanced its laboratory and health services capacity and have been following the World Health Organisation's mandate for the Phase 5 pandemic alert, including heightened surveillance and early detection and treatment.

    Preparedness mode included the screening of arriving passengers at the island's international airports.

    One arriving passenger at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston yesterday told The Sunday Gleaner that a woman who seemed to be a public health nurse addressed the passengers in the immigration lines. Each person, the passenger said, was given a card that read 'Health Card Alert'. They were told by the health worker that they should keep the card for the next 14 days and if they showed any sign of influenza, they should take the card to their doctors.

    Take precautions

    The health ministry is urging persons to continue to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against any possible influenza infection. These include frequent hand washing with soap and water, covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and avoiding contact with persons with flu-like symptoms.

    The public may call the ministry's toll-free line at 1-888-663-5683 for more information about influenza A (H1N1).

    Virus update

    Human cases of a new form of influenza virus have been identified in 40 countries. The influenza is a swine influenza A virus. The World Health Organisation has declared the swine influenza situation to be a public-health emergency of international concern.

    The swine flu first appeared in Mexico in March, with now hundreds of cases confirmed in that country. Dozens of those have resulted in death.

    The World Health Organisation raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29. Phase 5 is a "strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalise the organisation, communication and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

    The official count of probable cases in the US as of Friday, May 29, was 8,975 in 49 states with 15 deaths. However, the total number of people infected in the country is estimated to be as high as 100,000, says CDC spokesman Joe Quimby, taking into account those who were sick but didn't seek medical care.

  • #2
    Re: Jamaica - Cases - 2

    JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending June 5th, 2009

    JAMAICAN ANNOUNCES FIRST SWINE FLU CASES?06/01/09

    The first cases of H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, have been reported. The report makes Jamaica the fourth nation in the Caribbean to confirm the presence of the flu virus. According to Marion Bullock-Ducasse, spokeswoman for the Jamaican Health Ministry, laboratory tests indicate that two Jamaicans contracted the virus during visits to New York City. These individuals have since recovered from the illness.

    An additional nine flu cases were reported.


    ?Addressing chronic disease is an issue of human rights ? that must be our call to arms"
    Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief The Lancet

    ~~~~ Twitter:@GertvanderHoek ~~~ GertvanderHoek@gmail.com ~~~

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Jamaica - Cases - 4

      Source: http://www.jis.gov.jm/MinHealth/html...S_DETECTED.asp

      Two More Imported Influenza A (H1N1) Cases Detected
      Issued by: Ministry of Health
      Sunday, June 07, 2009

      Two additional imported cases of Influenza A (H1N1) have been detected in Jamaica by the Ministry of Health's surveillance system, and confirmatory testing done at the University of the West Indies.

      Both persons reside in New York in the United States and traveled to Jamaica. One of the persons was staying in St. Mary and the other in Trelawny. One has recovered and the other is recovering satisfactorily.

      Immediate contacts have been interviewed, examined and samples taken. The Ministry's surveillance and monitoring team has still not detected any local spread to date.

      The Ministry had previously detected two imported cases in the Island, from persons who had traveled to New York and those persons are well. There have been no deaths recorded in Jamaica from Influenza A (H1N1).

      The Ministry of Health has been in preparedness mode since we activated our Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan on April 27, 2009.

      We have enhanced our laboratory and health services capacity and have been following the WHO's mandate for the phase 5 pandemic alert, including heightened surveillance and early detection and treatment.

      Persons are being urged to continue to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against any possible Influenza infection. These include frequent hand washing with soap and water, covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and avoiding contact with persons with flu-like symptoms.

      The Public may call the Ministry's toll free line at 1-8... for more information about Influenza A (H1N1).

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Jamaica - Cases - 7

        Three more swine flu cases confirmed

        The Health Ministry's surveillance team detected three other confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in the island on Saturday.

        A release from the ministry said all three cases have been linked to travel to New York in the United States, including one who is a resident there. The ministry's team has already conducted interviews, examined and taken samples from immediate contacts of these persons. All three persons have recovered.

        So far, seven cases of the disease have been confirmed in the island.

        Influenza A (H1N1) is highly contagious. Persons are therefore being reminded that they need to take measures to protect themselves from any influenza virus infection.

        The release said people with flu-like symptoms should visit their doctor, the nearest health centre or hospital. The public may call the ministry's toll-free line at 1-888-663-5683 for more information about influenza A (H1N1).

        ?Addressing chronic disease is an issue of human rights ? that must be our call to arms"
        Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief The Lancet

        ~~~~ Twitter:@GertvanderHoek ~~~ GertvanderHoek@gmail.com ~~~

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Jamaica - Cases - 19

          Source: http://www.primicias.com.do/articulo,25412,html

          Google translation:

          Jamaican minister calls for calm after school closures


          Tuesday June 23, 2009, updated 11 hours, 28 minutes

          Kingston, June 23 (PL) The closure of all primary and secondary schools in the capital following the confirmation of two cases of influenza A (H1N1) has created a panic, forcing the Ministry of Health to call for calm.

          No need to panic, told the media owner Rudyard Spencer, despite the fact that 13 percent of learners in a secondary school in the district of Mandeville is showing signs of flu.


          Spencer said that his ministry took the drastic measure "because we are worried and decided to take that path."

          For the first time since the pandemic broke out, residents in several metropolitan districts opted to put in face masks or handkerchiefs while passing through the streets.

          As soon as the news spread, many parents turned out to schools to collect their children before the end of the day.

          The end-of-course exams and tests for graduation ceremonies were suspended by the Ministry of Education, one of whose spokespersons that "We do not want to take risks."

          19 people in Jamaica have been detected positive with the virus of
          influenza, although the Ministry of Health said it could not confirm whether
          the pandemic has spread to other areas of this capital after the report two new cases.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Jamaica - Cases - 21

            Source: http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=10314

            Two more H1N1 cases in Jamaica
            Posted: 2009-06-25 12:58:10 (0 Comments)

            The health ministry is reporting a further increase in the number of cases of the Influenza A, H1N1 virus.

            The health minister Ruddy Spencer announced a short while ago that two more cases have been confirmed pushing the tally to 21.

            On Tuesday the health minister told Parliament that Jamaica now has a local spread of the virus.

            The ministry had previously indicated that the first 17 cases involved persons who had traveled overseas.

            However Mr Spencer said the current situation does not warrant a ban on public gatherings.

            Seven parishes have so far confirmed cases of the virus. There are four in Kingston and St Andrew, four in St Catherine, three in St Mary, Trelawny two, St James with three Westmoreland one and two in Manchester.

            Meanwhile the ministry is encouraging persons to continue to wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based sanitizer, cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and avoid contact with persons with flu-like symptoms.

            Persons with flu-like symptoms should drink lots of fluid and rest but if the symptoms persist the ministry said they should contact a doctor, health center or hospital.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Jamaica - Cases - 28

              Jamaica has 28 confirmed H1N1 cases

              Posted: 2009-06-29 08:55:30 (0 Comments)

              The number of cases of the influenza A (H1N1) virus in Jamaica has moved up by one to 28.

              Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health Sheila Campbell Forrester confirmed the additional case in an interview with the Gleaner/Power 106 news centre last night.

              She was unable to say where the additional case was identified, but said the information was provided by members of the ministry?s surveillance teams.

              On the weekend, the health ministry also disclosed that six additional cases were identified.

              Three of the cases were detected in Manchester, two in Kingston and one in St. Ann.

              It also says further investigations are being carried out on all six cases.

              The Chief Medical Officer, has sought to assure that the ministry has the experience and capability to detect and treat cases early.

              She says persons who are immuno-compromised such as HIV patients and persons on cancer treatment; those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension as well as pregnant women should ensure they check with their doctor if they have flu-like symptoms.

              Other persons are advised to stay home if they are ill and take regular influenza medication, but if symptoms persist, they should visit their healthcare provider.

              The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that more than 59,000 cases of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) have been identified.

              263 of these persons have since died.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Jamaica - Cases - 28 - Deaths - 1

                Man with H1N1 dies in hospital today
                Posted: 2009-07-06 17:31:35 (0 Comments)

                The Gleaner Power 106 News has learnt that a 22-year-old man who was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus died at the University Hospital this afternoon.

                More on this story shortly.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Jamaica - Cases - 28 - Deaths - 1

                  First swine flu death

                  Published: Tuesday | July 7, 2009


                  Health Minister Rudyard Spencer has ordered a probe into the death of a young man at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) yesterday morning after he suffered complications associated with the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

                  The St Catherine man, believed to be 22 years old, became the first known fatality of the virus in Jamaica.

                  Conflicting results

                  He was confirmed with the virus yesterday morning after two preceding tests showed that he was negative, The Gleaner understands.

                  However, ministry officials were terse on what would have led to the the first two tests showing negative results.

                  "We are reviewing the case management," said Dr Marion Bullock-Ducasse, director of emergency services in the Ministry of Health.

                  "I do not have that information."

                  Spencer, who was in Geneva, Switzerland, on government business, ordered that the results of the investigation be reported to him upon his return on Friday.

                  According to the health ministry, the patient suffered underlying medical conditions. The H1N1 may have complicated his condition and led to his eventual death.

                  News of yesterday's first H1N1 death left staff at the UHWI concerned that they were not adequately prepared to handle the cases of the virus, but chief medical officer at the hospital, Dr Trevor McCartney, said there were strict guidelines in place.

                  Ready to handle cases

                  "We have procedures and policies in place to handle patients with acute respiratory illnesses," McCartney said.

                  Jamaica now has 33 cases and one death resulting from the H1N1 virus

                  ?Addressing chronic disease is an issue of human rights ? that must be our call to arms"
                  Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief The Lancet

                  ~~~~ Twitter:@GertvanderHoek ~~~ GertvanderHoek@gmail.com ~~~

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Jamaica - Cases - Deaths - 4

                    Source: http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.ph...22540&Itemid=1

                    Google translation:

                    Reported 104 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Jamaica
                    friday, 02 of 2009 of octubre

                    02 of October 2009, 17:47 Kingston, Oct 2 (Prensa Latina) The Jamaican Ministry of Health confirmed today that add up to 104 people infected with Influenza A (H1N1) in this Caribbean island.

                    The most recent reports indicate that last week was diagnosed with the virus six Jamaicans and the number of deaths from this cause remained constant at four.

                    With the increasing number of cases, local authorities maintain a health alert called the population, mainly the most vulnerable (children, pregnant, hypertensive, obese and people with chronic diseases).

                    Today's data matches, as local newspapers, with warnings from the World Health Organization for another possible outbreak of influenza.

                    Mass media refer ences finds that to maintain hygiene, like washing hands and avoid going to public places before flu symptoms.

                    However, reiterate that if the discomfort continues or intensifies, the suffering must go to hospital for treatment.

                    The first cases of A (H1N1) were confirmed on the island late last May, while the first death occurred in July.

                    rc / sc

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Jamaica - Cases - Deaths - 4

                      Source: http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/22246/26/

                      MOH reports fifth Influenza A-H1N1 death
                      Saturday, 10 October 2009

                      The death toll from the Influenza A-H1N1 virus, popularly known as swine flu, has risen to five.

                      The Health Ministry Saturday said a patient, who had been confirmed with the virus died as a result of developing respiratory complications.

                      The patient had been listed among the high risk group for the virus.

                      As a result of this most recent death, the Health Ministry is again warning persons who fall within the high risk group for complications from Influenza A (H1N1) to seek medical attention as soon as they begin to experience flu-like symptoms.

                      This high risk group includes pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, heart disease or any condition that impairs the immune system.

                      Children under five years old and persons over 65 years are included in the high risk group.

                      While expressing condolences to the family of the patient who died, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sheila Campbell Forrester, said health officials are expecting a second wave of the virus.

                      She added that this second wave will see an increase in the number of cases and urged members of the public to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions.

                      As such, Jamaicans are advised to practice good hygiene; including washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing preferably with a tissue, which should be discarded appropriately.

                      Individuals should also stay away from others who have symptoms of flu-like illness and stay home if they are ill, for at least seven days from the onset of flu-like symptoms.

                      However, medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist, get worse, or if persons fall within the high risk group for complications.

                      The country now has 118 laboratory confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Jamaica - Cases - Deaths - 5

                        Source: http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=13664

                        H1N1 cases continue to soar

                        2009-10-22 18:05:11
                        The health ministry is reporting that the number of Influenza A, H1N1, cases has now moved to 133.

                        The figure includes patients who have recovered.

                        However five people who contracted the virus have died.

                        The health ministry is advising people who are at high risk for complications from the Influenza A to immediately visit their healthcare provider if they experience flu-like symptoms.

                        The vulnerable people include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, heart disease or any condition that impairs the immune system.

                        Children under five years old and people over 65 years are also considered to be among the high-risk group.

                        Countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) should begin receiving the first shipment of H1N1 vaccines next month.

                        The CARICOM Secretariat said the vaccine would provide immunization for the most vulnerable groups.

                        The vaccines will arrive in time for the expected spike in the number of H1N1 cases in December and January.

                        The vaccine will be delivered at no cost to some member states.

                        However, countries, which did not benefit from the Global Fund, will have to buy additional doses at a minimum cost of US$7.00.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Jamaica - Cases - Deaths - 5

                          191 cases of the H1N1 virus
                          Friday, 04 December 2009

                          The number of confirmed cases of the Influenza A H1N1 virus in Jamaica is inching closer to the 200 mark.

                          An additional eight cases have been reported by the Ministry of Health increasing the total number to 191.

                          The death toll from the virus still stands at six.

                          In light of the continuing rise in cases, the Ministry is reminding persons to avoid mass gatherings if they have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.

                          Even if the symptoms are mild, persons are strongly cautioned to avoid crowded areas and stay home until they are well.

                          To reduce the risk of contracting the virus, members of the public are being advised to maintain personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing and avoiding unnecessary contact with persons who are ill.

                          Director of Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services, Marion Bullock DuCasse, says persons who fall in the high risk group should immediately contact their doctor or go to the nearest health centre if they develop flu-like symptoms.
                          Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                          The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

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