GREAT BAY: --- (GIS) – After the Preventive Health Department (PHD) announced on Monday that about the 9th and 10th confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus, the island now has its 11th and 12th confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
The male (46) and female (40), a husband and wife, are in isolation and have received anti-viral treatments. They are feeling better and are doing well.
These two new cases were confirmed on Tuesday. The last four cases, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, are related and went on a family cruise that took the persons to Cozumel, Panama, and Colombia. These persons started their cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and returned to the island on July 15 on American Airlines flight #687.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with flu-like-illness to remain at home (self-isolation) 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.
The severity of the disease now remains relatively mild. In the past, the island has had eight confirmed cases who all 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 who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. 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 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.