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Protect Yourself From The Swine Flue Dominicans
Dominica’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Johnson has confirmed that there is local transmission of the Swine Flu in Dominica.
Dr. Johnson told a press conference today, that the country recorded its third HINI/Swine Flu case last week Friday.
He said unlike the two previous cases, this one was not imported.
“Three cases have been identified and all have recovered completely. We can confirm that two were imported which means that they have had a travel history, but our third case is not an imported case. At this time the ministry of health is also confirming that there is local transmission,” he said.
Meantime Dr. Johnson says the Ministry of Health has also witnessed an outbreak of persons presenting with flu like symptoms in Dominica.
“We have not yet confirmed what the exact cause of the outbreak is, we are working with the Caribbean Regional Epidemiological Center in Trinidad and we are awaiting samples from them,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Health has undertaken a number of actions to prevent the further spread of the Swine Flu and flue like symptoms.
“We have stepped up or surveillance at all our ports of entries and health clinics. We have intensified our plans at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH)to address the upsurge and we have separated persons with the general persons at the PMH. We have established a flu clinic at the PMH. We have also reactivated our HOTLINE #2858100,” he added.
Schools
The Ministry of Health has also intensified its efforts in working with the schools on the island. Parents are being advised to leave their children at home if they are presented with flu-like symptoms.
“We recognize that the flu is something that can spread very quickly and we are working together with the ministry of education to ensure that information will reach the children. We cannot advice the closure of any schools but we are advising parents to keep their children away from school if they are presented with flu like symptoms. They should also remain in contact with their health care professionals in their community,” he said
He said most of the cases of flu outbreak are among children.
Precaution
Meantime National Epidemiologist Dr Paul Rickets is calling on Dominicans to be on high alert, in an effort to minimize the spread of the flu.
“We need to be on high alert in terms of individuals as well as community in trying to minimize the impact of this outbreak. Individuals can take action by first of all, remaining away from contact from other people. They should stay away from school, work, and church. They need to rest and take a lot of fluids. In the event that the symptoms are severe, they would need to contact a health professional for advice. They shouldn’t just show up they should call the number because we want to prevent persons who have symptoms, mixing with people who do not have,” he said.
He said some persons who have been asked to remain indoors have been seen outdoors. According to Dr. Ricketts, “if people are mixing with other people, that is defeating the purpose,”
He said washing hands regularly, using hand sanitizers, using a tissue or cloth every time one coughs could go a long way in ensuring that the virus is not spread.
Doing well
But despite everything, Dominica has done well Dr. Ricketts said.
“We have done pretty well so far. When we look at what happened earlier in the year when the H1N1 started, we have done well in minimizing the spread and delaying it up till now. I think we have a great opportunity to further minimize the spread if we cooperate and follow the instructions,” he said.
