The outbreak of swine flu has Tamika Gayle, a Jamaican studying in Mexico, pretty much hunkered down. For now, outdoor activity is a no-go.

The influenza strain is concen-trated in Mexico, where more than 150 people have been killed, but has spread to northern neighbours the United States and as far across the globe as New Zealand.

Gayle, who is on scholarship, is studying in the city of Cuernavaca in Morelos state. Cuernavaca is a one-hour drive from the capital, Mexico City.

Exposed daily

"Many of the Mexico City residents have their weekend homes and families here, therefore, I am exposed to them daily," she said.

Gayle added: "I live with a scholarship student from St Kitts and Nevis. We will only be leaving our apartment to go to the supermarket or the Internet café. We are a little scared of the epidemic."

Jamaica's Ministry of Health yesterday rolled out its public education and information campaign in an effort to prevent a spread of the virus if it is detected here.

Health Minister Rudyard Spencer said the ministry has stocks of two antivirals - Tamiflu and Zanamivir - which are recommended for treatment and prevention of the disease. He also noted that the ministry was in contact with the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, which will supply more medication if the need arises.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com