Health officials in Dominica say they are closely monitoring a situation in which a number of persons have been infected with Influenza A (H7N9) or Bird Flu in China.
Some people have been hospitalized and some have died in that country, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to alert various nations on the disease.
“This situation is being closely monitored by the National Public Health Response and Surveillance Team of Dominica,” the Ministry of Health said in a release on Thursday.
There is no immediate threat to Dominica at this time, since there is no evidence of human to human transmission but the Ministry said it remains on high alert and is taking measures to strengthen communicable disease surveillance with particular emphasis on those with Flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, running nose, fever and body aches.
“The Ministry of Health continues to work very closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other departments, including the Office of Disaster Management in refining and executing national plans to deal with the prevention and control of influenza including Bird Flu,” the release said. “Hence, any specific query with regards the circulation of H7N9 among birds can be directed to Dr. Thomas, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture.”
At present, there is no evidence of the presence of H7N9 in Dominica but health officials said they are taking the matter seriously and are calling on Dominicans to remain calm but vigilant.
H7N9 is a variation of the avian influenza virus or bird flu. It normally circulates among birds and chickens but is known to occasionally affect humans.
Ten persons have died and a total of 38 cases have been reported in China, according to media reports.
Africa the english speaking Caribbean (by all means inclusive in that region is DA),Taiwan, Tibet and all other Chinese Colonies (The one Cina plicy described but not discussed in the MOU.
All of the Sino commonwealth is on high alert for bird flu.Has the National Gov’t in Bijing sent thousands sent millions of masks to all it’s colonies old and new? usually the Gov’t officials get masks before everyone else.Then the massses by then they would have been infected.But still they are not safe. What fetes we have this weekend,sewo etc where they can spread the germs.They like sewo too !!!
black ants now this….them chinese aint easy i tell you
The entire world is concerned about bird flu cases. The Canadian Media has broadcasted it. Tonight, I just heard it again on TV News. It appears we are not that unduly concerned. The government does not like to scare the public until we hear of a case in this country/city. I do hope that those who travel to Canada and elsewhere from especially China are medically examined.
One can carry the virus without showing symptoms. I hope the government of Dominica will medically examine those who specifically originated from that country and travel to Dominica. All countries should do likewise.
A few years ago some people in Canada/Toronto contracted SARS. It took one person who traveled to Canada to spread the deadly virus to many. Some died including nurses who administered to those who were hospitalized for SARS at the hospitals. Fortunately that terminal disease did not affect thousands of people.
Nearly every country has a China Town. I recall that some people wore face masks in public until we were told that the disease was stabilized and there should be no fear of further contamination. Who knows really? How could we be certain? It was scary. DA government and health officials please take note.
If it’s the gov’t is the body to do so you are doomed Justin Timberbuck2
ambassador N should do China.
it good for all u. take it and shut up!!!!!
We are no way able to deal withan otbreak in DA.They are our best friends now and are even citizens so cross contamination can occur on a liat flight when they mix onboard with the natives in those little liat flights.
We are screwed. global village concept or not even by the MOU we are hoovering on the brink of the epiermic.
I wonder what our epidemiologists gona do our health paper chasers. Tim have you been briefed what did did Johnsonand Benjamin tell you to say? wear masks? drink lots of fluids take the hospital special paracetamol every 4 -6 hrs?
I hope and pray non of our economic citizens/denizens are not returning home fom home.lol!Dr.Paul et Al/other poultry farmers may be forced to kill hundereds of their birds and he may not want to, next thing you know we have a chicken contamination issue like that famous saltfish situation that was recovered from the land fills.BBQ every friday night at all the sports may take advantage of $1.00 fowls
God help us all.Public health inDA cannot stand this epidermic.
We do not know what will befall the world in future including our environment. These days more people travel than ever before. There will be epidemics to kill some, if not wipe out thousands/millions of people. As the world of people also become more godless and immoralities increase, we must be prepared for this. It is a punishment. Be enlightened.
What I can state to you is take certain Vitamins and herbal teas including practicing good nutritional habits. Precaution is better than cure.
As you worship God and practice your faith which I hope you do, pray to him for protection.
wey papa
In truth!
Health officials good job in trying to keep Dominicans safe. But you know that’s happening in China every embassy or country sent emails to their students or expats to see how they were doing and warnings. Dominica has yet to do that or tally how many students in We’re affected. Some students live in Shanghai where it’s most serious
. A scholarship graduate from each household in Dominica true, but one day just ask Skerrit or the minister of education , or whoever how many students are currently studying anywhere and you will get the response. They don’t know!!! Then they will go on the stage during election time to say they have provided scholarships. Excuse me? We don’t ask for money and we are grateful but just some more concern.
I cannot blame PM because he is one man but who ever is responsible for students studying abroad needs to do so much more work n stop telling people scholarships for a country are no longer available when applications are open.
I am very disappointed I must say!!!!
I thought Ambassador C is incharge of students in China. Ambassador C is incharge of Cuba ,China Ambassador?? am told is losing wt and was hospitalized. speculation galore Advise to any Ambassador losing wt return to the USA and get treatment I know someone he is extremely familiar with doing research in Maryland.
Just forget the past and come back up Ambassador