GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 - On Friday July 3, 2009 the first confirmed case of Influenza A H1N1 was recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Since then, on July 7, 2009, two more confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 were recorded. One of these newly confirmed cases is a contact of the first case. This individual was included in the five suspected cases referred to in the previous press release from the Ministry. The other newly confirmed case is a visitor to TCI who was also one of those referred to as a suspected case in the previous press release.
Additionally, on July 7, 2009 three other persons from Grand Turk were classified as suspected cases. Confirmatory results are now pending for a total of 7 suspected cases. In the interim, while we await the results, all suspected cases have been placed on treatment and isolated at home for 7 days or until resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer.
The first case was a 16 year old male student who resides permanently on Providenciales. He first experienced symptoms on June 28, 2009 and presented to his physician on June 29, 2009. He was started on treatment and isolated at home for 7 days while awaiting confirmatory results, which were received on Friday evening, July 3, 2009. Even though he did not have a history of recent travel, it is believed that he came into direct contact with someone who traveled recently and contracted the infection in this manner. At this time, the Ministry of Health is not of the view that this case is due to in-country transmission of the virus. However, investigations into the source of his infection are ongoing.
This first confirmed case came into direct contact with several other students before presenting to his physician. Three of these students developed respiratory symptoms, presented to their physicians, and were classified as suspected cases. Results received on July 7, 2009, confirmed one of these students to be Influenza A H1N1 positive. The results for the other two students are still pending. All of the suspected cases (students) were placed on treatment with Tamiflu and advised to remain at home for 7 days or until resolution of symptoms, whichever was longer. All of the suspected cases who were placed on Tamiflu, including the two confirmed cases and the suspected cases whose results are still pending, are responding well to treatment.
On June 30, 2009 a male tourist from the United States developed respiratory symptoms while in-country and presented to his physician. He was also classified as a suspected case, placed on treatment and advised to remain in his place of residence for 7 days while awaiting confirmatory results. Laboratory results received on July 7, 2009 confirmed this tourist to be Influenza A H1N1 positive, making him the third confirmed case for the TCI. Even though he was reportedly asymptomatic during his travel to TCI, contact tracing was done and individuals in close contact with him during the in-bound flight are being notified.
On July 7, 2009, three persons (two with recent history of travel to Miami and a contact of one of these persons) presented to the Grand Turk Hospital with respiratory symptoms, and tested positive for Influenza A. These three persons were classified as suspected cases and laboratory specimens sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) for confirmatory testing. All three individuals were started on Tamiflu and advised to remain at home until confirmatory results become available.
Therefore as of July 8, 2009 we are reporting the following:
On Providenciales: Three (3) confirmed cases Influenza A H1N1 and four (4) suspected cases
On Grand Turk: Three (3) suspected cases
The vast majority of cases of Influenza A H1N1 globally have been mild, self-limiting and likened to the regular seasonal influenza. Persons usually recover without the need for hospitalization or antiviral treatment. Hence, there is no need for undue concern and/or panic. However, the Ministry of Health continues to encourage persons with flu-like illness to seek medical attention early to determine whether their illness is due to Influenza A H1N1.
The Ministry of Health stands by its decision to refrain from publicly disclosing the names of individuals infected with the Influenza A H1N1 virus or any other virus or disease. This would not only constitute a breach of patient confidentiality, but will not be in the best interest of Public Health. Disclosures are only made, on a confidential basis, in the interest of Public Health, to facilitate epidemiologic investigations.
The Ministry of Health continues to promote the following healthful practices as these are the main measures recommended to limit the spread of the Influenza A H1N1 virus.
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.
Persons diagnosed with the Influenza A H1N1 virus or classified as suspected cases are asked to remain at home as instructed. Violation of such order may result in criminal prosecution. It is an offence under section 11(a) and (b) of the Public and Environmental Health Ordinance for a person suffering from an infectious disease to willfully and without proper precautions against spreading it to frequent any public place.
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