On Thursday, the Preventive Health Department (PHD) confirmed that the island now has its 15th and 16th confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Both persons, tourists, have been treated with anti-viral medications.
The National Epidemiologist of the Netherlands Antilles Izzy Gertsenbluth confirmed the cases on August 5. Both persons, a 58-year-old male for Baltimore, U.S. and a 29-year-old female from New Jersey, U.S., arrived on the island July 25.
The 58-year-old complained of a flu-like illness and samples were collected on July 31. He was admitted to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and placed in isolation and treated with the anti-viral medication tamilfu. He was discharged from SMMC on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old’s sample was collected on July 31. She was isolated in her hotel room and received anti-viral medication. After treatment she was able to resume her travels.
On Thursday afternoon two samples were taken from persons who had traveled and these will be forwarded on to the lab for further analysis.
The PHD in collaboration with the GIS is utilizing various communication avenues to get the message to the public about Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
These communications include radio and television information spots, cell phone text messages, radio interviews, press releases, and advertisements. Additional communications will be an email and a St. Maarten Cable TV Community Billboard Notice.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with a flu-like-illness to 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.
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 who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past all confirmed cases have recovered fully.
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 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.