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When 32-year old Ricardo Lee succumbed to complications associated with vasculitis last year, his mother, Olive Creary was devastated. She recalls that at the time, local doctors knew of no case in Jamaica of anyone dying from the rare but debilitating disease. Mourning the loss of her only child but determined to draw attention to the condition, Mrs. Creary decided...

As part of our routine surveillance, the Ministry of Health has been undertaking testing of samples collected from persons who present with flu-like symptoms and all our samples to date have been negative for Influenza A (H1N1) formerly called Swine Flu. This means that there is still no evidence of the virus in Jamaica. The MOH is however continuing its...

The Ministry of Health is re-assuring the public that the country is adequately prepared to deal with an outbreak of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Jamaica, should there be such an occurrence. Director of Emergency and Disaster Management and Special Services in the Ministry, Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse, said that there are adequate supplies of the two anti-virals recommended for...

The Ministry of Health has been continuing efforts at heightening surveillance and monitoring at the nation's ports to prevent any possible spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) virus in the island. The MOH has been interviewing arriving air and sea port passengers who are visibly ill and are displaying signs or symptoms of influenza, to check for Influenza...

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...