PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, July 10th, 2009 - On Friday July 3, 2009 the first confirmed case of Influenza A H1N1 was recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Since then three (3) more confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 were recorded. Two of these were recorded on July 7, 2009 and were included in the last press release from the Ministry. The third, and newest confirmed case, was recorded on July 9, 2009 and is the second contact of the first confirmed case to test positive for Influenza A H1N1. To date, the disposition of these seven (7) suspected cases of Influenza A H1N1 to which reference was made in the previous press release from the Ministry is as follows: One (1) has tested positive; two (2) have tested negative; results are still pending for the three (3) from Grand Turk and a contact of the first recorded case.
Confirmatory results are still pending for a total of seven (7) persons as follows: Four (4) of the seven (7) mentioned in the previous press release and three (3) additional persons. 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 newest confirmed case is a 16 year old male student who resides permanently on Providenciales. He first experienced symptoms on June 30, 2009 and presented to a medical facility that same day, June 30, 2009. He was started on treatment and isolated at home for 7 days while awaiting confirmatory results, which were received on July 9, 2009. He is a known contact of the first case of Influenza A H1N1 recorded in TCI. All of the confirmed and suspected cases who were placed on Tamiflu have responded well to treatment.
Therefore as of July 10, 2009 we are reporting the following:
On Providenciales: Four (4) confirmed and (3) three suspected cases of Influenza A H1N1.
On Grand Turk: Four (4) suspected cases of Influenza A H1N1.
The Ministry wishes to remind the people of TCI that 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 promotes 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, preferably with a tissue, and throw the 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.
The public is hereby reminded that 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 wilfully and without proper precautions against spreading it to frequent any public place.
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