fp Turks and Caicos

The sixteen (16) years old subject has been home in isolation ever since the inception of the sickness and is reportedly recovering well upon in receipt of treatment and counseling.

Laboratory specimens were collected from five (5) additional persons, who were deemed as suspected cases of Influenza A H1N1, and delivered to CAREC for confirmatory testing. These individuals were prescribed treatment and are also being kept in isolation in their homes whilst the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health awaits the confirmatory results.

The Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, (CAREC) is administered on behalf of 21 Member Countries by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Americas. CAREC enjoys an international reputation for its work in support of Public Health in the Caribbean. Under a Multilateral Agreement, CAREC provides laboratory reference and epidemiology services to 21 Member Countries.

A swine influenza virus is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is typically hosted by and is prevalent in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains are the influenza C virus and the subtypes of the influenza A virus known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. Swine flu is common throughout pig populations worldwide. The 2009 swine flu epidemic in humans is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contains genes closely related to swine influenza.

The derivation of this recent strain is anonymous. On the other hand, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs. This strain can be transmitted from human to human, and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.

In the interim, the Ministry of Health in the Turk and Caicos Islands is enduring its vigorous disease surveillance agenda in the Turks and Caicos Islands in order to minimize the impact of Influenza A H1N1 in these Islands.

The Ministry continues to advise all residents to engage in the following healthful practices at all times:

Cover your nose and mouth whenever you are coughing or sneezing with a tissue, and throw tissue in the trash after use.

Wash hands often with soap and water especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the absence of soap and water.

Try to avoid close contact with sick persons especially those with a respiratory illness.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs are often spread in this way.

Persons who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

For additional information, contact Health Education Unit, Ministry of Health.

Tel Number: 649-946-2801 Ext: 40804

Tel Number: 649-344-8141

Mondays to Thursdays 8:00am-4:30pm

Fridays 8:00am to 4:00pm.