Roadtown, Tortola - Ladies and gentlemen: I received confirmation earlier today, Thursday, 11 June, 2009 that the first case of Influenza A H1N1 – commonly called Swine Flu – has been recorded in the Territory. This was confirmed by the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) at about 10 p.m. last night (June 10).

I have also received confirmation that the patient is a 19-year-old male with a history of recent travel from New York, via St. Thomas.

He displayed symptoms of high fever and joint pains, and has been successfully treated with Tamiflu by health care professionals at Peebles Hospital. He has been released from hospital and continues to be monitored by our health care professionals.
The Pandemic Influenza Task Force met this morning and has given the assurance that there is no need for panic, and that the situation is entirely under control. 

A team of health care professionals continues to work and activities are underway to trace all recent contacts that this individual has had with other people. It is important for me to reassure you – the members of the public – that there is no need for panic.

I also wish to reiterate the importance of good hygienic practices as our health care professionals have continuously recommended. These include good respiratory and hand hygiene practices, as well as the need for persons who exhibit flu-like symptoms to avoid contact with others and to seek immediate medical attention.

I can confirm that a supply of Tamiflu, which is the drug to which the H1N1 virus responds, is currently available at Peebles Hospital, and that additional quantities are expected to arrive in the Territory within the coming days.

We continue to closely monitor what is happening with the virus worldwide, and in a very timely manner a further release will be made in relation to the World Health Organization’s pandemic alert levels.

I take this opportunity to appeal to all members of the public to remain calm and to follow the recommendations of our health care professionals, which have been published through flyers, brochures, news releases, and radio and television programmes. These will be repeated and additional programmes will be presented in the coming days.
Thank you for listening.