Philipsburg: --- The population of St. Maarten should not panic as the seven persons who were tested positive for Swine Flu H1N1 are recovering well and authorities on the island are doing everything to make sure the spread is contained. Of the seven cases that were confirmed positive late last week, six of them are from the American Medical University of the Caribbean (AUC) while a 40-year-old man also tested positive after he returned to the island from Miami.
That was the message given by the commissioner of Health Care Affairs Hyacinth Richardson and head of the department Joireen Wuite. Wuite said samples were taken from 15 persons, seven of which are positive, three negative, while they are awaiting the results of five. These results should arrive on St. Maarten by late Sunday or Monday. The persons affected are between the ages of 20 to 40 years old. The 40-year-old male also visited relatives and he had returned to work when he came back to the island. Sector Health Care Affairs already took samples from the persons who were in contact with the patient including his colleagues at his place of employment.
The SHCA are still awaiting results for some patients of the AUC and they have decided to leave the school open, but they must enforce stricter measures regarding hygiene and the isolation of the confirmed cases. Wuite said the school had an event on June 2 where they had visitors from the United States. She said it is believed the virus was picked up during that event where the index case must have been. She said based on their investigation they concluded the first symptoms were seen from June 5 to 8th.
Residents of St. Maarten should not panic since there is enough Tamiflu are on island to treat those that were tested positive and authorities do not see the need to re-stock at the moment.
The department head said the department has decided to give all patients tested positive with H1N1 a letter signed by the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards. The letter would outline the necessity for isolation about safety and security and possible sanctions for persons who does not respect the instruction and guidelines given to them by Sector Health Care.
Wuite said that so far, 90% of the patients have been complying with the instructions to stay at home, but one or two people did not in the beginning since they felt obligated to walk their dogs.
Sector Health Care Affairs also intend to intensify their awareness campaign at the Princess Juliana International Airport and the A.C Wathey Cruise Harbour. The intention is to make sure the necessary sanitary measures are taken as well as the continued distribution of flyers. At the harbour, specific requests were made to tighten procedures with the cruise lines in terms of early notification in the event there are patients with the H1N1 virus on board the ships.
Personnel at the department are working over time as they are busy visiting the seven patients at home. Most of who are in the Cupe Coy Area.
Persons who are experiencing flu like symptoms, headaches are asked to make contact with their physicians. Those tested positive with H1N1 are advised to strengthen their hygiene practices and adhere to the instructions given to them.