Health officials confirmed yesterday that there has been a sixth death from the Influenza A (H1N1) Swine flu virus. To date, there have been 177 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus.
The name, gender or additional details about the sixth person to die were not immediately forthcoming, but the Ministry of Health has said that the individual “was within the high risk group”.
Persons who wish to get more H1N1/Swine Flu virus information, can call the Ministry of Health’s toll free line – 1-888-663-5683 – or contact the health department in their parish.
The Ministry of Health’s surveillance team has detected an additional four cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus (more popularly known as the swine flu virus) here in Jamaica, bringing the total to 19.
In keeping with its rapid response strategy, the Ministry has interviewed, examined and taken samples from all household contacts and other persons with whom the infected individuals may have come in contact. Investigations of all four cases are still ongoing.
The affected parishes are Kingston & St. Andrew and St. Catherine, with four cases each; St. Mary with three cases; Trelawny with two cases; St. James with three; Westmoreland with one case; Manchester with two cases.
In one school in Manchester, approximately 13% of students reported having flu-like illness and one case was confirmed. The Ministry of Health is asking that persons with flu-like symptoms contact their doctor, health center or hospital.
For more information about Influenza A (H1N1), members of the public may call the Ministry’s toll free line – 1-888-663-5683 – seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
