Ministry of Health’s heightened surveillance has identified two imported Influenza A (H1N1) cases in Jamaica

Two imported cases of Influenza A (H1N1) have been identified in Jamaica and contained. The persons had traveled to New York, in the United States, which has recorded a number of confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases. The cases were quickly detected as a result of the Ministry’s heightened surveillance and monitoring mechanisms. The Ministry’s surveillance and monitoring team has detected no local spread to date.
The two persons who are from St. Andrew and St. Catherine have been located by personnel from the Ministry’s surveillance team and the necessary investigations and follow up visits have taken place.
Both persons have recovered satisfactorily. All household contacts have been investigated, samples were taken and they have been declared in good health by the medical teams.
The Ministry of Health has been in preparedness mode since they activated the Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan on April 27, 2009. They have enhanced the laboratory and health services capacity and have been following the WHO’s mandate for the phase 5 pandemic alert, including heightened surveillance and early detection and treatment.
Persons are also being urged to continue to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against any possible Influenza infection. These include frequent hand washing with soap and water, covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and avoiding contact with persons with flu-like symptoms.
The Public may call the Ministry’s toll free line at 1-888-663-5683 for more information about Influenza A (H1N1).