Philipsburg— There has been six more confirmed cases of Swine Flu H1N1 on St. Maarten, bringing the number to eight. Five of the cases are related to the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) where the first two patients were tested positive earlier this week. While the other case is elsewhere on the island, the exact location is still not known.
The information was made available to Sector Health Care late Friday afternoon. While the number of cases is rising by the day information surrounding the pandemic is not forthcoming. So far authorities have not decided to quarantine patients with the virus, instead they are depending solely on the advice given to the patient which is to stay home.
A press conference is yet to be called by authorities on the island even though they were informed about the new cases on Friday afternoon. It is understood a close door meeting will be held on Saturday to further discuss the matter. Efforts made to contact the island Lt. Governor proved futile up to press time.
The Director of Sector Health Care, Social & Labor, Jorien Wuite was informed by the Epidemiologist for the Netherlands Antilles, Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth of six additional confirmed cases of H1N1 flu on St. Maarten.
These cases were confirmed by the Erasmus Medisch Virologisch Laboratorium in Rotterdam. These confirmed cases are primarily related to the previous confirmed case of a medical student at the American University of the Caribbean (AUC).
This indicates that the surveillance and case investigation and follow up of the Preventive Health Department is working effectively. The Preventive Health Department will continue its work throughout the weekend with additional investigations, information and assistance to the affected patients. As a reminder affected patients are urged to remain at home.
A EOC meeting will be called on Saturday, June 20TH with Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Commissioner of Health Hyacinth Richardson, to assess the situation and to discuss possible further measures.
The general public will be informed in the coming days with a more extensive press briefing. In the meantime persons are reminded to follow hygienic procedures especially persons who are traveling..
The Preventive Health Department advises that if you have been near or around someone with H1N1 flu, or someone with flu-like symptoms, call your House Doctor or call the Preventive Health Department. If you have traveled to or arrived from, Mexico or the USA within the last 7-10 days and have flu-like symptoms, you are required to stay at home and to call your House Doctor or the Preventive Health Department immediately. The phone numbers are as follows: 5422078 or 5423003 or 5204523. Persons can also visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int for more information on Influenza (H1N1) virus.
The symptoms of Influenza H1N1 are:
• fever (temperature >38 C); and
• sore throat; and
• cough; and/or
• dyspnoea (difficult or labored breathing);
It is advisable to immediately implement preventive measures at your establishment or home such as:
1. Washing hands. Washing hands often help protect a person from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner/sanitizer. It is recommended that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds.
2. Persons should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
3. Dispose used tissue properly in the waste baskets and wash hands thereafter.
4. Frequently disinfect hard useable surfaces such as door knobs, counter tops, desks, phones etc.
5. Provide napkins, hand sanitizers on a regular basis for your staff and clientele.
6. Avoid close contact with sick persons diagnosed with H1N1.
7. Persons who have flu-like symptoms and have traveled in the last 7 to 10 days should stay at home and immediately contact their general practitioner/physician or the Public Health Department.
8. Diagnosed person should stay indoors and protect his/her family & colleagues.
On Tuesday the first confirmed cases of Swine Flu was made known to the island’s authorities. On Wednesday, the director of Sector Health Care said there were two confirmed cases, one of the patients she said was in Japan at the time she was tested positive while a student of the AUC was confined to her home on the French side of the island. The sector head said they took samples from at least nine more people and it was sent to Holland for testing. She said at the time, there were 100 doses of Tamiflu on the island and that people should not panic.
In the meantime, the French Minister of Health and Sports has advised that the protocol for patients contaminated with H1N1 Swine Flu has been revised.
Patients that are suspected of having the virus must call the SAMU at their emergency number 15 whose staff would then direct the patients to a pre-indentified medical establishment equipped to deal with the suspected cases of H1N1 FLU virus.
Patients tested positive for the virus will be provided with anti-viral medication and face masks. In case the patient condition is not is not severe then they can return home. However, all patients must adhere to the guidelines that will be provided. Hygiene procedures must be strictly followed which includes the wearing of the mask, with proper ventilation. Persons tested positive must remain confined to their homes and not go out and must stay in touch with the medical institution. Patients with severe symptoms would require hospitalization.
Also confirmed there are two cases of H1N1 flu confirmed in Curacao. One of patient is said to be an American Tourist, while the other a member of Curacao’s National Men Volleyball Team.
Health Department epidemiologist Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth said both patients are recovering. The volleyball player is one of more than a dozen cases to emerge in the Caribbean from the international tournament last week in Trinidad.
There were concerns about further spread that prompted authorities in Trinidad to cancel next month's Caribbean Games.
