CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – AS CONCERNS mount worldwide over the outbreak of Swine Flu, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of St. Kitts and Nevis is announcing efforts by the Ministry of Health through its Port Health Programme to limit the entry of the virus to the Federation.
Dr. Patrick Martin told journalists at a press conference held at the Nevis Disaster Management Department on yesterday (Apr. 27) that surveillance has been increased at all official ports of entry - air and sea. He identified these ports on Nevis as the Vance Amory International Airport and the sea ports at Long Point and Charlestown.
According to Dr. Martin, the Port Health Programme consists of officers trained to international standards who are deployed to these ports. Captains of any vessel arriving at these ports are required to report the presence of sick passengers and crew to the health officer who has the right to board any vessel, make their own inspection and grant or deny disembarkation.
Apart from these methods, surveillance is also conducted on passengers lining up to immigration or customs. Dr. Martin explained that some countries have equipment which scans passengers for sickness but, for now, the Federation would have to rely on the human factor.
The CMO said travellers could also assist officials by complying with signs which encourage passengers who may be ill to make an official report.
Dr. Martin admitted that the full complement of port officers is not met: “There are four officers employed and they will be stressed,” but assured the public that Port Health is in place.
Dr. Martin identified the surveillance measures being taken as all part of health intelligence which could result in catching symptoms early and working to contain. He said surveillance is also taking place inland at health centres, emergency rooms, doctor’s officers and hospitals which are all part of a network. He explained that doctors and nurses, as well as other workers, are informed to look for certain signs and if they are located to report them immediately.
The Swine Flu, with origins in Mexico, has spread to the United States, Brazil and even Europe and Asia. According to Dr. Martin however, no cases have been reported to date in countries under the auspices of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC).
The virus is spread from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing. It can also be passed from pigs to humans and humans to pigs via contact with droplets from the noses and mouth of infected pigs and persons.
Symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to Seasonal Influenza that normally occurs every year. Affected persons may experience fever, severe cough, difficulty breathing and weakness indicating an infection of the lower windpipes and the lungs.
