The Ministry of Health is advising persons to remain vigilant and continue to take the recommended precautions to protect against the spread of Influenza A(H1N1). The World Health Organisation has cautioned that persons should continue to take the necessary care as there may be a second wave of the disease, which would see an increase in the number of cases. Jamaica now has eighty one (81) confirmed cases of the virus after an additional case was detected on Friday (August 28, 2009).

Director of Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse says the Ministry continues its heightened surveillance and monitoring of the virus. “Even though we have seen a decline in the number of Acute Respiratory Infections or flu like illnesses in the past four weeks, we remain cautious as the WHO reports that the current global trend indicates that a second wave of the virus is likely.” She says therefore that persons should continue to observe good hygiene practices including washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer and covering nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing as part of efforts to reduce spread.

“I would also like to implore persons in the high risk group especially pregnant women to seek medical attention as soon as they experience flu like symptoms. This is very important for us to initiate early treatment to minimize the likelihood of complications from Influenza A(H1N1),” she explained.

Other persons in the high risk group for complications from Influenza A(H1N1) include those with chronic illnesses such as obesity, asthma, diabetes and hypertension and children under five years old.

-30-

Contact: MOH, Public Relations Unit