Ministry of Health Appeals to Persons Who Have Travelled to Swine Flu Affected Regions in the Last Two Weeks to Contact Their Health Professional

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 Bullock-Ducasse, says “there are persons who may have been exposed and show mild symptoms, but we still want you to make contact with us.”
There are still no confirmed cases in Jamaica, however persons are still being reminded that if they have flu-like symptoms to stay away from public places and limit contact with other persons.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not placed a restriction on travel, however the MOH recommends that only essential travel be considered to the areas affected.
According to the WHO, as at this morning (Monday May 4, 2009), 20 countries have reported confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1).
Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths, the United States has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
The other 18 countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases but no deaths. They are Austria (1), Canada (85), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (2), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (40), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15).
The public can call the Ministry of Health’s toll free line at 1-888-663-5683 to get information on the Influenza A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu).
Influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory illness that is caused by the Influenza A virus. It is transmitted by human to human contact. The symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and body aches and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be experienced.