The world health organization (WHO) on Wednesday raised the state of alert from 4 to 5 as it concerns the swine flu or the H1N1 virus. According to the director of WHO, although there have been cases of the flu in several countries there is currently no worldwide pandemic.
During a press conference on the subject at the Préfecture yesterday, Préfét Délégué LaCroix presented precautionary measures that have been taken by the health authorities of both sides after consultation on the issue.
Persons traveling from the United States, Canada and Mexico are asked to contact health authorities or their regular doctor if they have any flu like symptoms. The swine flu’s symptoms are like those of the regular flu which is to say fever, cough, sore throat and some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
As the flu is transmitted by air the population is asked to take certain precautionary steps that are those of basic hygiene including regular washing of hands after coughing or blowing the nose. Avoiding crowded places, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and or sneezing.
The authorities on both sides during their joint meeting have announced that no cases of the swine flu (H1N1) have been found on the island. However, the airports of Grand case and Juliana are on a level 4 alert (this is on a scale of 1 to 7). The préfét délégué also announced that in the event of cases appearing on island that Saint Martin health authorities have indicated that testing kits and face masks are in stock.
For additional information the public can call the Direction of General Health at 0825 302 302 or on the website www.invs.sante.fr. The services of the Collectivité will update the population as necessary on the progress of this virus.
Dr. Louis Jeffrey
Vice President in Charge of Communication