The Ministry of Health is reminding school officials to ensure that they are familiar with the prescribed guidelines that have been drafted to advise them about the management and monitoring of Influenza like illnesses in their institutions. The guidelines are available through the Ministry of Education and can also be accessed on the Health Ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.jm/general/publication.

The Ministry of Health is encouraging parents not to send children to school if they have flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, cough and runny or stuffy nose. However, if the symptoms persist or get worse, then the child should be taken to the nearest health facility. Parents should note that if their child falls within the high risk group for complications from Influenza A(H1N1), then they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. The high risk group includes children under five years old, persons with chronic illnesses including obesity, asthma, diabetes and hypertension and pregnant women.

The Ministry of Health continues to urge persons to observe the recommended precautions to help to reduce the spread of Influenza A(H1N1). These include washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer and covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. The Ministry is reporting that an additional nine (9) confirmed cases were detected late last week, bringing the total to ninety eight (98) confirmed cases in the island.

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Contact: MOH, Public Relations Unit Tel: 967-1561