Roadtown, Tortola - As of 14 July, five cases of the H1N1 Influenza A virus have been confirmed in the Territory. 

All of the patients have recovered, and no local fatalities have been linked to the virus. Of the confirmed cases four were male and one a female. One of the patients recently travelled to New York; one to Puerto Rico and Miami, and one to St. Thomas and Miami. In the other two cases there was no history of recent travel outside of the Territory. The patients ranged in ages between 11 and 48.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter said the increase in the number of confirmed cases was surprising. “The disease will continue to spread globally in the coming months and a significant increase is likely during the coming flu season. Residents are thus reminded to practice good respiratory hygiene and frequent hand washing,” noted the Chief Medical Officer. 

Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Department of Disaster Management, remains active in its efforts to protect residents of the Territory from the dreaded H1N1 Influenza A virus. Dr. Potter said health officials are continuing to carry out active surveillance and contact tracing among the contacts of confirmed or suspected H1N1 cases in the Territory.

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 well-being, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Virgin Islands.