Influenza A Cases Now at 21

The number of Influenza A (H1N1) cases in the island now stands at 21, after two more persons were confirmed with the virus in Kingston and St. Catherine.
The Ministry of Health has informed that the infected person in St. Catherine had travelled recently and may have contracted the virus overseas. However, it is still carrying out investigations in relation to the individual in Kingston.
The Ministry said the case was confirmed yesterday (June 24) and since then, it has been carrying out interviews with all individuals who came in contact with the infected persons, and has also taken samples from these persons.
Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, speaking at a function held today (June 25) at the Hilton Kingston, commended members of the public health team dealing with the H1N1 cases saying, “they continue to do a splendid job under very trying circumstances.”
Yesterday, the Government announced that it would be setting up a multi-sectoral committee, to handle all issues related to the outbreak of the H1N1 virus. The committee will be made up of the Chief Technical Officers in the Ministries of Health, Education, Agriculture and Fisheries, Tourism, and Information.
The latest update issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that, to date, 55,867 persons have been infected with the H1N1virus, with 238 deaths.