The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it is ready to deal with what the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) has warned could be a resurgence of the deadly Swine Flu (H1N1) that left thousands dead just over one year ago.
Based on the occurrence of sporadic outbreaks reported in countries in the Americas since the beginning of this year, CAREC has recommended that countries in the Caribbean reactivate their National Preparedness Plans for the pandemic.
But Dominica’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Johnson has given the assurance that the island is fully equipped to deal with the H1N1 if it reoccurs again.
He said the Ministry of Health have been informed about the alert from CAREC and, “Dominica has developed a pandemic influenza plan for some time now and we do have a well established surveillance system which monitors people coming from overseas”.
He said officials are also monitoring cases of influenza on the island.
“We have not identified any H1N1 for almost a year now the virus is circulating in many countries as a normal seasonal flu and we have not seen the presence of that” he said.
Dr. Johnson said there is no need for alarm as there is no outbreak in the region
However, the various Ministries of Health in the region have advised the public to continue to practice proper hygienic measures, including frequent hand washing and covering the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Persons who were experiencing fever, cough or sore throat have been advised to stay away from school or work until they are fever free, for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medication.
Those most susceptible to H1N1, especially pregnant women, persons with asthma and other lung conditions, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and impairment of the immune system, should seek prompt medical attention.
hmmm
How are we prepared? Do we have vaccines available for all or can we source them at short notice?
Are our labs now equipped to make a timely diagnosis or do we have to wait on the regional labs to provide the results of the relevant investigations?
Instead of beating up our chest and saying how prepared we are we should try to tighten or surveillence methods and ensure timely diagnosis, effective therapy as well as appropriate preventitive practices. Dr Johnson, please take note.
Good news.