Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thirty-six confirmed cases of swine flu in Dominica more expected
The Dominican.net Newsdesk
Health officials in Dominica are bracing for more cases of the dreaded H1N1 ‘swine flu’ influenza virus as thousands of visitors flock to the island to participate in the World Creole Music Festival.
Already, there have been 36 confirmed cases of the influenza on the island and health officials fear that this number could be a lot higher as several people reporting the symptoms have not been tested. The first case was confirmed on June 7, 2009, more than two months after the virus was first reported.
Callers to a local radio station complained that they were been told by health personnel to stay home and deal with the problem on their own. Some expressed concerns that faced with a life threatening situation they would not know how to respond because there were no clear guidelines from the authorities. Yet others called for a separate facility that could be used to treat and screen those having the symptoms.
So far, there have been no reported deaths from the virus but many are concerned that this could change as the virus spreads and people with underlying heath conditions become affected.
With thousands of visitors and overseas based Dominicans coming into the island for the World Creole Music Festival, health officials are warning them to be on the alert and to take measures such as frequent washing of the hands and staying away from the public if they exhibit any symptoms.
Health officials in Dominica are bracing for more cases of the dreaded H1N1 ‘swine flu’ influenza virus as thousands of visitors flock to the island to participate in the World Creole Music Festival.
Already, there have been 36 confirmed cases of the influenza on the island and health officials fear that this number could be a lot higher as several people reporting the symptoms have not been tested. The first case was confirmed on June 7, 2009, more than two months after the virus was first reported.
Callers to a local radio station complained that they were been told by health personnel to stay home and deal with the problem on their own. Some expressed concerns that faced with a life threatening situation they would not know how to respond because there were no clear guidelines from the authorities. Yet others called for a separate facility that could be used to treat and screen those having the symptoms.
So far, there have been no reported deaths from the virus but many are concerned that this could change as the virus spreads and people with underlying heath conditions become affected.
With thousands of visitors and overseas based Dominicans coming into the island for the World Creole Music Festival, health officials are warning them to be on the alert and to take measures such as frequent washing of the hands and staying away from the public if they exhibit any symptoms.
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// posted by TheDominican.net @ 10:13 AM
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