Gov't confirms two swine flu deaths since January

JAMAICA has recorded two deaths from the Influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the year, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.
According to the ministry, a woman who was confirmed with the illness died Sunday at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Her death followed that of a male patient at the Kingston Hospital in January.

The ministry said that as at May 21 there were eight confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, popularly called the swine flu, among a total of 42 influenza cases. It warned that the region is still in the post-pandemic stage of the outbreak.
"The post-pandemic phase means that the Influenza A (H1N1) virus has taken on a behaviour and intensity similar to that of regular seasonal influenza viruses. It also means that in the coming years there could be sustained community transmission and localised outbreaks of the disease," the ministry said in a release.
"The Pan American Health Organisation recently advised that there have been outbreaks of Influenza A (H1N1) in a number of countries in the Region and sporadic cases in others since 2011," it added.

As a result the, the ministry is urging persons to "continue to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their family members from infection".
While expressing condolence to the families of the patients, director of emergency, disaster management and special services in the health ministry, Dr Marion Bullock-DuCasse urged Jamaicans to continue to observe good hygiene practices, which will significantly assist in reducing the spread of any influenza virus.

"A number of Influenza viruses are currently in circulation as we are still in the flu season. We therefore continue to urge persons to wash their hands regularly and properly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and importantly ensure that their children are taught these practices. Persons should also stay home if they are ill so as not to spread the illness to others," she said.