Yesterday, the Ministry of Health, in a press release, said it had briefed Prime Minister Bruce Golding on Jamaica's current situation in light of the death.

The person, who falls within what the ministry has called 'the high-risk group', died at the University Hospital of the West Indies on Thursday, and is said to have had underlying medical conditions, which caused complications.

Six more cases of influenza A (H1N1), including this latest fatality, have also been reported, bringing the total to 39.

Of the six new cases, three are from Kingston, one from St Catherine. The other two are still being investigated.

According to the release, Golding has responded by committing further resources to the Ministry of Health to continue its public-health interventions.

Rudyard Spencer, minister of health, is also to prepare a submission, for Cabinet on Monday, detailing what the public-health team needs to do to effectively manage the situation.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health is urging persons with flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention. This applies especially to the high-risk group, which includes persons with chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, asthma, pregnant women, and children under five years old.

observe good hygiene

Persons are being reminded to observe good hygiene practices, including washing hands frequently with soap and water, and covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue, which should be discarded appropriately.

Persons should also stay home if they have flu-like symptoms and contact a doctor immediately if their condition persists, gets worse, or if they have severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, or vomiting.

For more information about influenza A (H1N1), members of the public may call the ministry's toll free line at 1888-663-5683 seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.