GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Sunday, July 5th, 2009 - The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the general public that on Friday July 3, 2009, the Turks and Caicos Islands recorded its first case of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu).
The subject is a 16 year old residing in TCI. This conclusion was made after a laboratory specimen of the subject, who complained of experiencing flu-like symptoms earlier in the week, was examined by the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) and was confirmed to be positive for Influenza A H1N1. The subject has been in isolation at home since the onset of the illness and has been receiving treatment and counseling and is recovering well.
Laboratory specimens were collected from five (5) additional persons, who were classified as suspected cases of Influenza A H1N1, and sent to CAREC for confirmatory testing. These persons were also placed on treatment and are being kept in isolation at home while we await the confirmatory results.
In the meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is continuing its active disease surveillance program in the TCI in order to minimize the impact of Influenza A H1N1 in these Islands. The Ministry continues to advise all residents to engage in the following healthful practices at all times:
- Cover your nose and mouth whenever you are coughing or sneezing with a tissue, and throw tissue in the trash after use.
- Wash hands often with soap and water especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the absence of soap and water
- Try to avoid close contact with sick persons especially those with a respiratory illness.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs are often spread in this way.
Persons who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
For additional information, contact Health Education Unit, Ministry of Health. Tel Num: 649-946-2801 Ext: 40804 at 8:00am-4:30pm Mondays to Thursdays or Fridays 8:00am to 4:00pm. Or Tel Num: 649-344-8141(c).
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