Has there been any detection of the influenza A (H1N1) virus in Jamaica?
No, the virus has not been detected in Jamaica.
How likely is it that the virus will be in Jamaica?
Although there have been no reported cases in Jamaica thus far, given the porosity of our borders, unrestricted movement of people and trade, this disease has serious implications for Jamaica's economy and a number of its sectors including tourism, education, security and social interaction. Consequently, the country has been placed on high alert.
Does the Ministry of Health have sufficient medication if the virus affects persons in Jamaica?
Yes. The World Health Organisation has a stockpile of appropriate drugs for the region which will be released if suspected cases are reported in Jamaica. Two antivirals - Tamiflu and Zanamivir - are recommended for treatment and prevention of the disease. At this time, the Ministry of Health has stocks of antivirals to initiate treatment.
How soon can medication be sourced if the ministry runs out?
We can have additional medication in the island within 24-48 hours.
Is medication available at all public-health facilities across the island?
Medication is made available to all our regional facilities.
How prepared is the ministry in the likelihood of an outbreak?
The country has been placed on high alert. We have activated our Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan which was finalised in July 2006. We have scaled up surveillance activities at health-care facilities and our ports of entry. Routine surveillance systems are in place to collect data for selected diseases and conditions, such as fevers and respiratory illness.
What actions have been taken at the island's ports of entry to detect carriers of the virus?
Surveillance has been strengthened at all ports of entry. Immigration and other port workers have been alerted. The Ministry already has health desks at these ports and additional public-health teams have now been assigned to the ports. The Ministry is distributing health-alert cards with information on the disease, precautionary measures to be taken and how to contact health workers. Informal ports are also being monitored.
What are the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1)?
Generally, the clinical symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza - fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough and aches. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can occur.
How is it transmitted?
Influenza A (H1N1) is a highly contagious acute-respiratory disease, caused by one of the several influenza A viruses. The Ministry of Health has no evidence at this time of transmission from pigs but has seen widespread human-to-human transmission. It's spread in much the same way as any strain of influenza, by close contact with an infected person.
What can people do to minimise the likelihood of being infected?
Persons are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to prevent an onset of the influenza virus. These are:
1. Frequent hand-washing with soap and water.
2. Covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
3. Avoiding contact with persons with flu-like symptoms.
4. Avoiding intimate contact, including handshaking and kissing.
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