Two More Imported Influenza A (H1N1) Cases Detected

Two additional imported cases of Influenza A (H1N1) have been detected in Jamaica by the Ministry of Health’s surveillance system, and confirmatory testing done at the University of the West Indies.
Both persons reside in New York in the United States and travelled to Jamaica. One of the persons was staying in St. Mary and the other in Trelawny. One has recovered and the other is recovering satisfactorily.
Immediate contacts have been interviewed, examined and samples taken. The Ministry’s surveillance and monitoring team has still not detected any local spread to date.
The Ministry had previously detected two imported cases in the island, from persons who had travelled to New York and those persons are well. There have been no deaths recorded in Jamaica from Influenza A (H1N1).
The Ministry of Health has been in preparedness mode since it activated the Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan on April 27, 2009.
Jamaica has enhanced its laboratory and health services capacity and have been following the WHO’s mandate for the phase five pandemic alert, including heightened surveillance and early detection and treatment.
Persons are 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).