Two more Swine Flu (Influenza A – H1N1) cases were confirmed last night here in Jamaica, bringing the total number of confirmed Swine Flu cases in the island to 44. So far, there have been two confirmed deaths as a result of the virus.
Jamaica’s capacity to conduct tests for the virus will improve by next week, as the defective Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine which is at the National Influenza Center at the University of the West Indies, will be replaced courtesy of the Pan American Health Organization.
There are now 32 confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1 / Swine Flu) virus in Jamaica. The latest confirmations came yesterday, with three new cases in Westmoreland, one in St. James and one in St. Elizabeth. The Ministry of Health has noted that these latest cases are still being investigated and that any additional information will be communicated as soon as it is received.
The Ministry of Health has not – at this time – placed any restriction on public gatherings, but members of the public will be notified if the situation changes, as the confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) are expected to increase.
Persons are being urged to observe precautionary measures to protect themselves and others from any influenza infection. These include washing hands frequently with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Persons should also cover the nose and mouth (preferably with tissue) when sneezing and coughing, and the tissue should be disposed of properly.
For more information on the Swine Flu virus, members of the public may call the Ministry’s toll free line at 1-888-663-5683 (7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
