Roadtown, Tortola - The Influenza Pandemic Planning Committee convened a general meeting today where the members were fully updated on current developments related to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the Virgin Islands (UK) and around the world.
Members, among other things, received sector reports from the BVI Health Services Authority, the Environmental Health Division, the Department of Disaster Management, and other sectors. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter updated those in attendance on the Territory’s ongoing response to H1N1, while National Health Disaster Coordinator Mrs. Dawn Leonard presented a status report related to the virus.
“To date the virus has affected 76 countries. There have been approximately 30,000 confirmed cases and 130 deaths globally from H1N1,” said Mrs. Leonard.
The Chief Medical Officer noted that health professionals in the Territory must be ready to manage an increased number of H1N1 cases if necessary. “We must continuously train staff to identify, diagnose, and manage influenza patients,” he said.
Additionally, the Chief Medical Officer highlighted a need to target hotels and other hospitality-related industries for intervention, along with a sustained public messaging and risk communication programme targeting the general public.
Dr. Potter told the meeting that guidelines for Business Continuity Plans were also circulated to private sector establishments in the Territory. A response plan for Her Majesty’s Prison is also being developed. “The more we prepare up front, the less stressed we will be when we are required to respond,” he said.
Today’s meeting was attended by top managers from the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the BVI Health Services Authority, Environmental Health Division, Her Majesty’s Customs, Her Majesty’s Prison, and the Department of Disaster Management.
The 2009 outbreak is a pandemic of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 identified in April 2009. It is thought to be a mutation of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1: one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs. 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 (UK).
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