GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 - On Monday July 27, five (5) newly confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 were recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Four (4) cases are from Grand Turk and one (1) from Providenciales. To date, a total of seventeen (17) confirmed cases have been recorded in TCI, eight (8) from Grand Turk and nine (9) from Providenciales.
On Grand Turk, three (3) of the newly confirmed cases are female and
(1) one male; they range in age from 10 – 24 years.
On Providenciales, the one (1) newly confirmed cases is 15 years old male.
All of the confirmed and suspected cases were placed on Tamiflu immediately on presenting to a medical facility and isolated at home for seven (7) days or until resolution of symptoms, whichever was longer. They have responded well to treatment.
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.
To date, the TCI confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 reflect the existence of limited in-country transmission. Hence it is imperative that the preventive measures advocated by the Ministry are adhered to in order to minimize in-country transmission.
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 fever with 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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