CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – FOLLOWING the announcement of the first death in St. Kitts due to the H1N1 virus, health officials are now saying that the “swine flu” could also be on Nevis.
Medical Officer on Nevis, Dr. Judy Nisbett told journalists at a press conference today (July 27) that the Ministry is currently awaiting results on a sample sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) in Trinidad. Dr. Nisbett said the sample was sent on Friday after the patient displayed signs of the virus.
This news comes as the Ministry of Health of St. Kitts and Nevis announced that a 28-year-old woman was confirmed dead from the H1N1 virus over the weekend. She was one of two more cases of the virus confirmed by CAREC. The other was a 21-year-old woman who, according to Dr. Nisbett, did not require medication and hospitalisation.
The recent results now bring to three the number of cases in the Federation, with none of the women having a history of recent travel. All three are on St. Kitts.
Dr. Nisbett said anti-viral medications are available for patients in need but reiterated that there is no need for alarm or panic. The vast majority of persons with H1N1 experienced mild illness and recovered quickly without medication.
She however said that while most illnesses due to H1N1 are mild, there is the possibility of severe illness in persons with certain conditions that are considered high risk. High risk conditions include: asthma and other lung problems; diabetes and other metabolic conditions; weakened immunity due to conditions such as HIV, sickle cell anemia, cancer, kidney disease and liver disease; pregnant women; children under five years; elderly persons who are 65 years and older; and obesity.
She explained that high risk defines groups of persons whose immune system may not be as robust as normal because of underlying conditions. High risk does not mean that severe illness is automatic in every high risk person.
Dr. Nisbett was accompanied at the press conference by acting Chief of Staff of the Alexandra Hospital Dr. John Essien and Health Coordinator Nicole Slack-Liburd.
