Spencer

Health Minister Ruddy Spencer has urged Jamaicans to remain calm, even as the dangerous swine flu threatens the world.

In a statement to Parliament Tuesday, Spencer said the country has a stockpile of antiviral drugs to treat infected persons should the virus reach the country's shores.

"We can treat 450 patients with the Tamiflu and the Zana-mivir. That would be an initial treat-ment and that will be enough," Spencer said.

He added that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stockpiles and stands ready to supply Jamaica if swine flu is reported here.

More than 150 dead

More than 150 persons have died in Mexico as the crisis deepens. Deaths have also been reported in the United States and Spain.

"The gravity of the situation is that the world faces a new influenza virus to which most people in the world have little or no immunity," Spencer said.

Meanwhile, the health minister told Parliament that surveillance at the country's airports and seaports have been intensified. He said the number of health professionals at these ports of entry have been beefed up.

He also said a public education campaign will be undertaken with a view to minimising the impact if the virus enters the country.

"It is important that travellers to and from Jamaica provide full and accurate information to our health teams and immigration officials," Spencer added.