http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=124707
Health workers to use force
Friday, July 03, 2009
PUBLIC health workers will use force where it is found that suspected or confirmed cases are not adhering to the recommended self-quarantine measures.
This was relayed by acting Deputy Secretary for Health Doctor Josaia Samuela at an urgent meeting of medical doctors to discuss the Pandemic H1N1 2009 on Wednesday night.
The option was discussed after two of the confirmed H1N1 cases "absconded", or ignored health officials' advice and exposed others in their community to the virus. One of the cases left their confines for the relief of traditional therapy (bobo). This was discovered a day after the case was advised. Another involved a child whose parents were thoroughly advised.
Dr Samuela said fortunately for both cases, the symptoms were mild and tracing of those they came in contact with during the infectious period revealed there was no spread.
"We are at the phase where containment is crucial, particularly in light of the limited resources at our disposal," he reminded.
"As such, this sort of behaviour must be minimised.
"If we find that people are not following what we advocate, then we will look at enforcing quarantine under the public health laws which allows for this in order to contain infectious disease."
He noted there have been no other reports of cases absconding since the two earlier cases.
Health workers to use force
Friday, July 03, 2009
PUBLIC health workers will use force where it is found that suspected or confirmed cases are not adhering to the recommended self-quarantine measures.
This was relayed by acting Deputy Secretary for Health Doctor Josaia Samuela at an urgent meeting of medical doctors to discuss the Pandemic H1N1 2009 on Wednesday night.
The option was discussed after two of the confirmed H1N1 cases "absconded", or ignored health officials' advice and exposed others in their community to the virus. One of the cases left their confines for the relief of traditional therapy (bobo). This was discovered a day after the case was advised. Another involved a child whose parents were thoroughly advised.
Dr Samuela said fortunately for both cases, the symptoms were mild and tracing of those they came in contact with during the infectious period revealed there was no spread.
"We are at the phase where containment is crucial, particularly in light of the limited resources at our disposal," he reminded.
"As such, this sort of behaviour must be minimised.
"If we find that people are not following what we advocate, then we will look at enforcing quarantine under the public health laws which allows for this in order to contain infectious disease."
He noted there have been no other reports of cases absconding since the two earlier cases.