Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Fourth H1N1 Case Confirmed
Test results from the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) have confirmed a fourth case of the novel H1N1 virus in the Cayman Islands.
The latest patient is an eight year old student who fell sick a few days after returning from Miami. She subsequently tested positive for Influenza A at the Health Services Authority’s Accident & Emergency Unit.
“The child is recovering well at home without antiviral medications and is experiencing an uncomplicated illness like the other patients we have had locally,” says Health Services Authority Medical Director Dr. Greg Hoeksema.
However, he adds: “With the high volume of travel between the Cayman Islands and the US, it is inevitable that we will have additional imported cases that in turn will lead to more human-to-human transmission in the islands.”
Dr. Hoeksema advises that anyone who develops fever and flu-like symptoms should stay in home isolation until their symptoms have completely resolved.
“The illness associated with the novel H1N1 flu virus is mild and appears no different from the typical seasonal flu. Also, we have confirmation from CAREC that all three of the typical seasonal flu viruses are also still circulating on the island. So our advice is to stay at home and only seek medical care with your regular physician if you are concerned about the severity of your illness.”
“However, persons who are at increased risk of developing complications of the flu should visit their doctor. These include children under five, people over 65, people with serious chronic medical problems, people with immune deficiency, and women who are pregnant,” explains Dr. Hoeksema.
“While we understand the level of anxiety in the community about the current situation, it is important to emphasize that our plan covers all phases of a pandemic and takes into account many different scenarios,” says the Medical Director.
Referring to the World Health Organization’s declaration of a pandemic earlier this month, Dr Anna Matthews, Acting Medical Officer of Health, noted that the HSA’s response was built on the presumption that a pandemic was likely. “WHO’s decision came as no surprise – from the start we acted aggressively to stay ahead of the virus.”
The Cayman Islands has a comprehensive National Influenza Pandemic Plan which outlines measures to be taken at various stages. “This allows for different strategies as the situation evolves. For example, we have now moved from detection of first imported cases to mitigation and containment since the virus is now here on the island,” Dr. Matthews said.
Public health officials have reiterated that home isolation and self care is best for the majority of people infected with all flu viruses, including the novel H1N1.
People who have a fever and flu-like symptoms (headache, chills, cough, chest pain, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting) should do the following:
- Remain at home until all symptoms have completely resolved (typically 4-10 days).
- Take over-the-counter medication as needed to relieve symptoms, but do not give children under 18 years of age any aspirin-containing products.
- Drink lots of fluids (water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages) to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- If you have diarrhea or vomiting, it's a good idea to rest, eat only small amounts of food at a time, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
For more information and advice, residents can call the Public Health/HSA 24-hour flu hotline at 926-2812.