Skip navigation



Tuesday, 2 June 2009

Local situation:

  • As of today, 2 June 2009, the Cayman Islands continues to be free of the novel H1N1 flu virus. So far 22 cases have been investigated with 13 having travel history to the US and Mexico. Of these cases, 21 tested negative for the H1N1 flu, and one test result is awaited. (See table below.)
  • Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar has, however, confirmed that the seasonal flu is in circulation in Cayman with a patient testing positive for Influenza A (H3N2).
  • Dr Kumar emphasises that all precautionary measures are still geared towards detecting the presence of H1N1 in Cayman. “The Public Health Department and the Health Services Authority remain vigilant in their fight against a possible pandemic. We are aware of the two confirmed cases in Jamaica, and we remain in full surveillance mode,” he said.
  • Returning residents or visitors, who develop fever with flu-like symptoms within seven days of entering the Cayman Islands from the US and Mexico or any other affected area, are encouraged to report to the Accident & Emergency Unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital for assessment.  “These recommendations are prudent measures to identify the presence of Influenza A (H1N1) early, and limit its spread in the Cayman Islands,” explained Dr Kumar.
  • Dr Kumar also stated that while there are still no World Health Organization (WHO) travel restrictions to affected areas, due consideration of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus should be taken into account when making travel plans.  “Non-essential travel to Mexico and other affected areas is not advised,” he said.
  • Dr Kumar also reaffirmed the WHO’s previous declaration that there is no cause for concern regarding the possibility of this virus being found in local pigs, and that properly cooked pork and pork products remain safe for consumption. Influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people via eating processed pork or other products derived from pigs.  Cooking meat at a core temperature of 70°C/160°F will destroy any possible active virus present in raw meat products. Pork and pork products, handled in accordance with good hygienic practices, will therefore not be a source of contamination.
  • Health officials will continue to keep the public informed of any developments. It is important to remember that the best personal defence is good hygiene:
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
    • If you are sick, stay home from work or school and protect others by avoiding close contact with them.
    • Good health is also important -- eating right, getting enough sleep and exercising.

Global situation:

  • As of yesterday, 1 June 2009 (6:00 GMT), the World Health Organization (WHO) had the following statistics: 62 countries have reported a total of 17,410 confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases, including 115 deaths.  Some of these countries include: Mexico – 5,029 confirmed cases/ 97 deaths; Canada – 1336 cases/ 2 deaths; Costa Rica – 37 cases/ 1 death; Japan – 370 cases; and the United Kingdom – 229 cases.
  • The US has reported a total of 10,053 cases, including 17 deaths.  Twenty states have reported more than 100 cases: Arizona (547), California (804), Connecticut (196), Delaware (121), Florida (166), Illinois (1103), Indiana (146), Louisiana (122), Massachusetts (470), Michigan (234), Nevada (102), New Mexico (108), New York (605), Oregon (148), Pennsylvania (123), Tennessee (104), Texas (1403), Utah (247), Washington (575), and Wisconsin (1641).

H1N1 Surveillance in the Cayman Islands:

  • The HSA does a basic test to see if a person has flu. The test results are available in one hour. If the test is positive for Influenza A (the flu comes in two major types - A and B), the person is now considered to be a probable case, if he/she travelled to the US or Mexico or any other affected area or in close contact with a confirmed or probable case, in the past seven days. Positive and negative samples are sent to CAREC. Where it tests if it is novel H1N1 flu or not. Test results are available in 3-4 days.
  • Health alert notices have been posted at all ports of entry. Public Health nurses are manning the health desk at the airport daily from 11 am until the last flight from the US arrives where:
    • Arriving passengers, who feel they might have the flu, can get help.
    • Front line staff from airlines, Immigration and Customs can get information and support.

Cases Investigated for Flu in the Cayman Islands
  With Travel History Without Travel History Total
Investigated 13 9 22
Tested positive for Influenza A 0 1 1 (seasonal flu - H3N2)
Tested positive for H1N1 0 0 0
Pending Results 1 0 1