GREAT BAY:--– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) confirmed on Monday the island’s 22nd confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, a 56-year-old woman who was part of a family reunion event that took place earlier this month on the French side.
The ladies sample was taken on August 14 and confirmed on August 17. The 56-year-old has been given the anti-viral medication Tami Flu and is under isolation.
Four members of this reunion, an eight-year-old female, an 11-year-old male, a 16-year-old male, and a 36-year-old female, attended a family reunion on the French side of the island on August 6.
Improvements have been noted in these cases but they still have the cough.
Two additional samples have been taken over the weekend from children, and the PHD is awaiting these results.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with a flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past all confirmed cases have recovered fully.
The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the virus.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.