BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HEALTH MINISTER Hon. Rupert Herbert cautioned persons “to keep things in perspective” and follow medical advice, as more schoolchildren across St. Kitts remain absent from school due to suspected H1N1 virus.
SKNVibes reported yesterday (Nov. 18) that almost 80 students of the Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior School and the Dr. William Connor Primary School were at home because they had exhibited flu-like symptoms. Other media outlets have reported related absences from secondary schools including Basseterre High and Washington Archibald High.
In an interview with this media house, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Patrick Martin stated that the “vast majority” of sick students would have H1N1, as it was the most common type of influenza circulating. That theory was backed up by Herbert, who warned that persons would continue to contract the virus until as late as March next year.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Health Minister gave an update of the current H1N1 situation in the Federation.
“The Ministry informed the public via press release that an anticipated second wave of H1N1 was here. Since then, scores of persons have experienced flu-like illness...there is an increase in the number of schoolchildren experiencing flu-like illness,” he noted.
“Reports are that persons are alarmed when doctors make the H1N1 diagnosis. It seems some are still unaware that it is spreading in St. Kitts despite the plethora of information circulating since April. It is a new virus; therefore, many of us have no natural protection towards it.”
According to Herbert, up to 30 percent of the population may experience a flu-like illness within the coming months. He however stressed that most persons would only have mild illnesses and would recover within three to five days without any antiviral medication.
Last week, Health Ministry officials verified that a vaccine for the H1N1 virus would not arrive in St. Kitts-Nevis until March 2010 at the earliest. The news came after CMO Martin confirmed that the Federation had recorded its sixth positive H1N1 test in Nevis.
Despite this, Herbert reiterated that there was no need for persons to panic, and gave insight into how they could manage the virus.
“There is no reason for alarm, because vaccination is just one of the weapons we use. Persons should continue to have good nutrition, lots of rest and exercise, and practice good hygiene,” he advised. “People with mild illnesses can be managed effectively at home, while those with complication such as muscle pain and laboured breathing should consult with their doctors.
“Children exhibiting symptoms must be kept at home. They must not return to school until fully recovered...The Ministry of Health will continue to provide the public with the relevant advice.”
