BRADES, Montserrat - Dec. 14, 2009) – There are now 21 confirmed cases of the H1N1 Flu Virus on Montserrat, says the Ministry of Health. Since the first case was reported on November 22, health care centres and the Glendon Hospital have seen a steady increase in the number of people, especially children exhibiting mild symptoms. Since November 16th, 38 samples have been sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) for testing, with 21 returning positive for the virus.

According to an update from Dorothea Hazel, Epidemiologist “all persons (or their parents) testing positive have been contact by the Public Health Nurse and have either recovered or are recovering” since being treated.

In the past three weeks, 143 persons have visited the St. Peters Clinic, which is presently operating as the “flu clinic”.

Persons with underlying
health conditions such as diabetes and asthma are being monitored by Primary Health Care staff and have been advised to return for immediate attention should symptoms worsen.

“Most influenza outbreaks/waves last six to eight weeks and we are approaching the end of the fourth week of our outbreak,” says Hazel. “We continue to monitor the situation and anticipate that the wave will end soon. However, we are cognizant of the fact that our regular “flu” season usually starts at the end of December.”

The public is reminded to maintain a health diet high in Vitamin C, wash hands often, avoid unnecessary touching of eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with others if you have flu-like symptoms; and cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue you throw away into a garbage disposal container after use.

Call the St. Peter’s Clinic at 491-5436 for more information about health concerns related to the virus.