The following update was given by the Jamaican Ministry of Health, yesterday:
So far there have been 131 reported cases of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus in Jamaica. (This figure includes people who have recovered).
There have been 5 deaths resulting from the virus.
As soon as a case is identified, the person is quarantined and Ministry of Health (MOH) officials go into the person's home and community to vaccinate persons there.
So far, the public has been cooperating with the MOH, and hence the H1N1 virus is under control in Jamaica.
The MOH is imploring:
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All pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and any other non-communicable diseases that diminish the proper functioning of the immune system
People in the high-risk group (less than 5 years old and greater than 65 years old),
to report to their doctor/health clinic immediately, should they notice any signs of the H1N1 virus.
Symptoms Include
Flu-like symptoms: coughing, sneezing, headaches and body aches, fever, chills, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
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Member States of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) should be receiving their first shipments of the H1N1 vaccine, next month. This is so that we can prepare for the December - January period, during which, a second wave of attacks of the H1N1 virus, are expected.
(I would like to thank Hyacinthe Raimbault for the use of her Flickr inset photo of a couple, wearing H1N1 prevention-masks, kissing at the Historic Centre in Mexico City).
Gillian
Sources Include
1) Power 106 News at 5:00 p.m., October 22,2009
2) Article, "H1N1 cases continue to soar", Go-Jamaica.com, October 22,2009
3) Article, "H1N1 Vaccine Coming to the Caribbean", BahamasB2B.com, October 22,2009.