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Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding has confirmed that the health authorities now have the capacity to do local testing for Influenza A (H1N1). "Up to last week, specimens would have had to be sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Port-of-Spain for analysis. We have now received the necessary primers and we have the reagents and the competence...

Some $12 million has been spent to increase the country's stock of anti-viral drugs, as well as launch a public education programme, as the Government implements strategies to counter any outbreak of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. To date, no case of the virus has been reported in Jamaica. Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with...

In its drive to promote good health, the St. Elizabeth Health Department staged a health fair and walk in the communities of Maggotty and Balaclava, in Northern St. Elizabeth, on April 30. The walk began in Maggoty and Balaclava, and ended with participants converging on the grounds of the Appleton Sports Complex, where the health fair was staged under the...

The Ministry of Health is reminding persons who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms especially if they have travelled to Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) affected regions, to stay away from other persons and crowded areas. Persons are also being reminded to contact their healthcare provider, the nearest health centre, hospital or the Ministry of Health if they have flu-like symptoms...

The Ministry of Health is aware of reports circulating of alleged cases of Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) in the island. The Ministry is assuring members of the public that there is no truth to these rumours. Routine testing of persons with flu-like symptoms continue at health facilities and all our tests have so far been negative for Influenza A...

The Ministry of Health is asking all persons who may have travelled to areas currently affected by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus (formerly called Swine Flu) in the last two weeks to contact their health care provider, the nearest health centre, hospital or the Ministry immediately. Director, Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services at the Ministry of Health Dr. Marion...

Dental nurse attached to the Clarendon Health Department, Sonia Walker, is appealing to Jamaicans to practise proper oral hygiene, as dental problems often lead to other health complications. In an interview with JIS News, Miss Walker explained that while good oral hygiene generally results in healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, it also helps to preserve the health of the...

Q: Has there been any detection of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Jamaica? No, the virus has not been detected in Jamaica. Q: How likely is it that the virus will be in Jamaica? A: Although there have been no reported cases in Jamaica thus far, given the porosity of our borders and the unrestricted movement of people and...

Director, Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse, is urging Jamaicans, or non-nationals in the island, who have travelled to locations affected by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus within the last two weeks, to immediately contact their health care providers, the public health departments in their parishes or the Ministry of Health. She...

Scores of senior citizens of Clarendon recently benefitted from free medical checks, counselling, and hair and beauty services, at a health fair held at the Dorritt Bent Church Hall in Spaldings. The fair, a collaborative effort of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the Clarendon Health Department, and the Spaldings United Church, sought to address some of the medical...

There have still not been any confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus detected in Jamaica. According to information provided by the Ministry of Health, technical teams have been undertaking increased monitoring and surveillance, and have tested several person, all of which have so far come back negative. The Ministry of Health remains on high alert and has been...

In light of the current outbreak of the Swine Influenza worldwide, Minister of Health and Environment, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, has announced that an additional supply of 1,000 doses of antiviral medication used to combat the 'Flu', will arrive in the island within two weeks. This supply will be in addition to 450 doses of the anti-virals that the Ministry currently...