The Island has its eighth confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, a person who resides on the French side of the island.
The person in question has been isolated and has been treated with anti-viral medication Tamiflu. Family members of the person are being closely monitored by French health authorities.
Samples were taken on July 3 and the Preventive Health Department (PHD) was informed on July 7 about the confirmed results.
The person had traveled to New York around June 28/29. Upon their return, the person had displayed flu-like symptoms and contacted their family physician on the Dutch side.
Two other persons not related to the aforementioned case were tested on July 2. Their results came back negative for H1N1. They left the island on July 3. They had traveled from Miami to the island.
Another sample was taken of a family member vacationing on the island. The sample was taken on July 6 and the results are still pending.
The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that according to global health officials, the severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past the island has had seven confirmed cases who recovered fully.
Persons with a flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the virus.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.