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Posted: Wednesday 29 July, 2009 at 11:44 AM
GIS Press Release

    Roadtown, Tortola - Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potters said recent deaths in the Caribbean from H1N1 Influenza A Virus reinforce the serious nature of this pandemic.

     

    H1N1-related deaths have so far been reported in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Cayman Islands, and St. Kitts. The Chief Medical Officer said the Virgin Islands have been fortunate to only have mild cases to date, but he expressed concern about the deaths that have occurred in other Caribbean countries.

     

    “This is obviously a troubling development. What we have seen in the Caribbean in recent weeks should serve as a wakeup call,” he said. Earlier this week authorities in St. Kitts confirmed that a 28-year-old woman in that island died as a result of H1N1, while the authorities in the Cayman Islands confirmed that a 31-year-old man died as a result of the virus in that territory.

    Dr. Potter said the local Pandemic Influenza Committee continues to track developments related to the virus in the Territory.

     

    “The committee will hold its next meeting on Friday where discussions will focus on the current status of the influenza pandemic and its local, regional, and international impact,” he added.

    Dr. Potter used the opportunity to remind residents to practice good hygiene. Among other things he said regular hand washing with soap and warm water is one of the most important ways to reduce the spread of influenza and other infections.

     

    In cases where soap and water are not readily available, the Chief Medical Officer noted, hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol are recommended.

     

    Dr. Potter is recommending that persons who are sick should stay at home and avoid mass gatherings in order to reduce the risk of spreading viruses to other people. He also encouraged persons to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and to cough into their elbow instead of in the palm of their hand.

     

    He is also advising persons to contact their health care provider or the nearest clinic if they exhibit high fever, excessive or persistent coughing, body aches, sore throat, headaches, chills, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Those symptoms are commonly associated with H1N1.

     

    The 2009 outbreak is a pandemic of a new strain of the Influenza A virus, subtype H1N1, which was first identified in April. Most cases throughout the world have so far been mild relative to seasonal flu. The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Virgin Islands.

     

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