Swine flu death in US
(CNS): UPDATE WEDNESDAY 10:00am: There are no suspected cases of swine flu in the Cayman Islands as per the Center of Disease Control Guidelines, Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar confirmed this morning, following reports of the first death from the virus outside Mexico. The 23-month-old child in Texas was one of 64 swine flu cases in the US and officials said the child had been to Mexico. Residents of the Cayman Islands are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico and to be diligent if traveling to other countries affected by the swine flu outbreak. The HSA has procured additional stocks of Tamiflu which should arrive on island by the weekend.
The World Health Organization earlier confirmed that the flu was being transmitted between humans and called on countries to check their contingency plans for a possible pandemic.
As well as the travel precautions, Kumar has also advised that people should seek medical attention if they have had a recent travel history to Mexico and other affected areas and develop flu-like symptoms, or have come in close contact with persons who have been diagnosed with swine flu.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Anyone who becomes ill with influenza-like symptoms may want to contact their doctor, who will
determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. However, swabs will have to be sent overseas for tests which will take at least a week. The treatment does not depend on the test results. People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible forup to 7 days following illness onset. Dr Kumar said swine influenza viruses are not spread by eating pork or pork products, and that properly handled and cooked pork products are safe.
If the recent outbreak of swine flu becomes a pandemic there is no way of stopping it reaching the Cayman Islands, according to Dr Kumar. However, so far cases outside Mexico have not been fatal and the virus may have mutated into a less serious strain, which would be good news, he said. Mexico, where the virus first appeared, is now reporting the number of probable deaths is now 152, with 1,614 suspected sufferers under observation.
No cases have been confirmed in the Cayman Islands, but arrangements are being made with the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre in Trinidad for testing of any suspected cases. Symptoms are the same as any other flu and there is no way of knowing except by testing, Dr Kumar said.
The Ministry of Health and the Health Services Authority say they are taking the necessary measures for early detection and control of swine flu and ensure appropriate control measures, though they have admitted that Cayman has not stockpiled enough of the antiviral, Tamiflu, which can prevent serious complications and is best if started within two days of symptoms.
Following the spread of the virus, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General yesterday raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4. The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.
Asked about cruise ships stopping in the Cayman Islands en route from Mexico, Dr Kumar said there was some risk, not because it came from Mexico but because when you have thousands of people coming ashore from a cruise ship one may be carrying the virus. He told CNS that they have asked cruise lines not to allow passengers to disembark if they have seen the doctor for flu symptoms, but he said there are no plans to stop visitors coming to the Cayman Islands either by sea or air, noting that if you stop American citizens coming here, why would the US not stop Cayman residents travelling to the US?
So far, at least 90 cases have been confirmed worldwide, including 50 in the United States; six in Canada; three in New Zealand; two each in Spain and the United Kingdom; and one in Israel, and while none has yet resulted in death, the UN has warned that the virus cannot be contained.
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu, according to the HSA. However, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza: Avoid close contact with people who are sick with flu symptoms. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
“The Health Ministry and the Public Health Department, supported by a number of agencies from other Ministries, have plans in place for the outbreak of contagious diseases,” Health Minister Anthony Eden has said. “Steps are already being taken to handle a possible outbreak of swine flu in the Cayman Islands. Any suspected cases will be thoroughly tested for the swine flu virus. The Cayman Islands government is in contact with PAHO and WHO for the latest advisories, and will respond promptly and appropriately as the situation develops. The Government is committed to ensure that we maintain keen surveillance of this threat. We will keep the public informed, and ensure that all relevant local information is provided on a timely basis.”
Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A Influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. The new version of the H1N1 virus is a mix of different animal and human versions of the disease. Mixing can lead to the development of changed viruses to which humans have little immunity. Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, making it difficult for drugs manufacturers to ensure effective vaccines are available. However, testing has shown that the antiviral drugs oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) appear to be effective against the human swine influenza H1N1 strain.
A release from the HSA said that although it has been determined that the virus in this outbreak is contagious and is spreading from human to human, it has not yet been determined how easily the virus spreads between people. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses in the United States.
The majority of these cases have occurred in otherwise healthy young adults. Influenza normally affects the very young and the very old, but these age groups have not been heavily affected in Mexico.
“Because there are human cases associated with an animal influenza virus, and because of the geographical spread of multiple community outbreaks, plus the somewhat unusual age groups affected, these events are of high concern.” said Dr. Kumar.
The World Health Organization has NOT issued a travel advisory to any of the affected areas at this time. However, Dr. Kumar is advising the public to be diligent in deciding their travel plans to these areas. For further information please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the World health Organisation.
Category: Headline News
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! WE WERE ASK TO INFORM OUR CAYMANIAN PEOPLE THAT TEAM CAYMAN WILL NO LONGER BE REPORTING TO YOU ALL! WE HAVE JUST BEEN SIGN A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT WITH A LONDON BASE AGENCY!!!
Dont worry my Caymanian people we wont leave you in the cold! Always remember that CNS ROCKS!!!! CNS ROCKS!!! They will keep bringing you the latest news update around the world! We have finally found the best way to get rid of this swine flu and that is to drink more and more TEQUILLA!!! CASE CLOSED!!
We will miss you all my friends but we love money as much as you all do too hehe, so london here we comeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! We are ready for your french wine and french kisses and french fries and french lovers oohh lalalala TEAM CAYMAN IS GOING OUT IN STYLE!!!!
SO goodbye friends dont cry for us until we meet again!!
NEWS ALERT!!! NEWS ALERT!!! TEAM CAYMAN HAS FINALLY ARRIVED IN MEXICOOOOO!!!!! WE JUST GOT OFF THE BANANA BOAT LAST NIGHT AND BOY OH BOY IT WAS TEQUILLA TIME BABYYYYYYYY!!!!!!! We are so DRUNK we are even KRUNK he he he. But dont fear my Caymanians after all the hard partying lastnight with the Senoritas and Padres and Amigos, after we got hangovers, we are still trying to find a cure for this swine flu! We even got the little Mexican taco bell dogs helping us hehehe.
Excuse me I’m throwing up! Blurp! Blurp! Slurp! Slurp! gaaaaaaaaagaaaa! Now back to the news!!
Do you think CNS, would go to Mexico on a banana boat for you all? NO! NO! NO!
Do you think Cayman Compass, would go to Mexico on a banana boat for you all? NO! NO! NO!
Do you think Cayman Net News, would go to Mexico on a banana boat for you all? NO! NO! NO!
THAT’S REASONS WHY TEAM CAYMAN IS YOUR NUMBER ONE! NON STOP PARTYING! NEWS STATION!!!
Hey Padre who ate one of my taco bell dogs????
Blurp! Blurp! Blurp! BLURP! bLURP! bLURP! dO ANYBODY HAVE A GINGER ALE? Blurp! Blurp!! GAaaaaaaaaaagaaaaaa TEAM CAYMAN IS OUT!!! HE HE HE
Boy that Team Cayman is something else, I laugh until I cried…..Team Cayman keep doing what you do best at! We love you and we want you all to keep bringing us the news….
STOP! STOP! STOP THE CALLS!!! TEAM CAYMAN has been overflooded with calls in their now Miami office from Caymanians! They are inquiring about TEQUILLA!!! What do you all want TEAM CAYMAN TO DO JUMP OFF THE BANANA BOAT TO MEXICO!!! Sorry we dont know where you need to go to get any tequilla! But if you do have a Mexican amigo maybe they can make you all a homemade one! Psst, dont forget to tell them to ship us some LOL!!! Ooops and some tacos hehe.
TEAM CAYMAN IS OUT FOR THE DAY! WE WILL BE BACK HERE SAME TIME TOMMOROW BRINGING YOU THE NEWS AS IT HAPPENS!!!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED!!!
LATE BREAKING NEWS!!! MY ON-SITE REPORTERS HAS JUST INFORM ME THAT THE CITY OF MEXICO HAS JUST SHUT DOWN THE WHOLE ENTIRE STATE!!! THEY ARE TELLING PEOPLE TO STAY HOME!!!! NO MORE TEQUILLAS!!!! NO MORE TACOS!!!! NO MORE SALSA!!!! ALSO NO MORE THAN ONE PERSON IN A HOUSE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!
Dont fear my Caymanian people, your not at that stage as yet!!! In the meantime we advice you all to, get your passports updated if they are expired!!! Book your reservations early! Keep on washing your hands and remember to keep on praying!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED!!!
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS!! THE FIRST SWINE FLU HAS HIT GEORGIA & MIAMI THERE IS NO KNOWN VACCINE FOR SWINE FLU! THE FIRST VACCINE WILL BE PROVIDED IN SEPTEMBER! MY CAYMANIAN PEOPLE WE ARE ALL IMMUNE!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING U ALL INFORMED!!!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha omg i just peed on myself, TEAM CAYMAN STOP NOW! Plssssssssssssss my poor heart cant take anymore. hahahhahahaha hahhahaha haha ha you must be a comedian hahahahaha hahahahaha
BREAKING NEWS!!! BREAKING NEWS!!!! TEAM CAYMAN IS REPORTING FROM MIAMI!!!! I HAVE MY TEAM OUT WORKING HARD AROUND THE CLOCK STILL FOR YOU GUYS!!! SO PLEASE DONT FEAR MY CAYMANIAN PEOPLE !!! TEAM CAYMAN IS ON YOUR SIDE!!!!
You know something, after all my team has SLAVED working hard for you Anonymous, and for you to call us TEAM CHICKENS going through PIG ARMS, PIG FEETand PIG HEAD even PIG A*S also risking our lives by getting on BANANA BOATS TO GET TO MEXICO just to bring to you the latest BREAKING NEWS! This is the payback we get? I dont think so buster!!! I dont think you all can find another TEAM as good and accurate as this one!!!! TEAM CAYMAN BRINGS TO YOU THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS ON THE RUN AS IT"S HAPPENING!!!!! We dont even have time to have a drink of coffee muchless make love!!!! Becaus e TEAM CAYMAN is working hard for you!
Now I must say that TEAM CAYMAN had to protect it’s staff and their liability! With only 30 known vaccines in CaymaN, only a fool will stay there! That’s reasons why TEAM CAYMAN had to leave CAYMAN! So we will continue still to be your favorite news service, just keep tunning in for the latest updates and information! Thank you!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED
To the 2026 poster, forgive me but I will make my judgements by reference to the WHO and international experts rather than someone whose inability to spell the word "scared" or to know the difference between "your" and "you’re" leads meto the assumption that your medical training is limited. (although having met some SMU students. . . )
Team Cayman and Twyla M, I know one thing for sure the two of you are surely entertaining, you all have me and my husband cracking up lol! CNS thanx for bringing us these two duo for they makes us all want to keep coming back into these forums that’s for sure!
Team Cayman and Twyla, we love you all you surely do keep us laughing. I had to sneak at times by my computer before my boss catches me, just to see what you two are going to come up with next and just for a laugh. lol
THANK YOU SHERRY
Sometimes I am laughing myself as I write. I want to see that things get done, and I want everyone to be happy doing just that. Thanks again for you sincere comments.
This is ridiculous. If just like seasonal flu. If you catch it you get sick for a few days then your back at work. It is reported that the death rate is not much higher then normal Seasonal Flu. I am not concerned as I have never had a flu shot and yet can think I had the flu once in 10 years. The media has blowin it out of porportion. From the media you would conclude it has a 50% kill rate.
Take precautions if your scarred. If it gives you peace of mind then its worth it. Remember stress is a great way to weaken the immune system.
IF YOU GOT IT, CUT IT, DRY IT AND FREEZE IT.
GRANNY BACK YARD BUSH
If you got Fever grass in your yard, cut it and dry it, then put it in saran wrap and freeze it. Everybody is going to want a piece if they catch the flu and take down with fever. Now I am not no doctor, but I always listened to my Grandma Nettie Levy who died at age 106 from old age, she did not have an ache.
LOOK AT WHAT SHE TOOK.
1) Drank one ounce of castor oil once a month. She called that Colon Clense.
2) She ate cowitch with Paw Paw once every three months. She did not have any worms.
3) She Drank catnip tea when ever she had a cough. Next day it was gone.
4) She Drank Fever grass tea three times a day if she felt fever comming on, and I know I heard her call the name Swine flu before. Also heard her talking about foot and mouth desease from cow. Using fever grass too.
Got to run now, but later you will hear more on GRANNY BACK YARD BUSH..
Trust me it works.
If this passes without incident, maybe the National Heroes can be real heroes and waive next year’s waste of money banner fest to allow the country to stock up on anti-viral medicine instead. Just one year without pomp would help protect us all for four years.
Stock piling Tamiful??? Don’t you think this is a bit late. There is none other then the 25-30 at the hospital…non at any drug stores! Couldn’t do without the parade now could we?
CNN.com: The World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to 5, its second-highest level Wednesday, indicating the outbreak of swine flu that originated in Mexico is nearing widespread human infection.
Dr. Margaret Chan, the U.N. agency’s director-general, said the decision means that all countries should "immediately" activate pandemic preparedness plans.
"This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharm industry and the business community that certain actions now should be taken with increased urgency and at an accelerated pace," Chan said.
The annoucement came as the number of people infected with swine flu increased rapidly across the world, and health officials scrambled to get more information about the virus — which has no vaccine.
"It’s a virus that we’ve never seen before," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
"There’s no background immunity in the population, and it is spreading from human to human, all of which has the potential for a pandemic."
Ok PEOPLE!!! We are up to Level 5!… What you going do now? plant fever grass?? Its worth the try to say the least…. Cause if the Meds dont come and you aint got none, you gonna have go beg some or steal some!
BREAKING NEWS!!! Team Cayman has some very troubling news!! We will no longer be reporting to you!!!! TEAM CAYMAN HAS JUST BROUGHT THEIR ONE WAY TICKET OUT OF CAYMAN!!! SORRY GUYS BUT WERE TAKING THE FLIGHT OUT TONIGHT!!! ARE YOU CRAZY TO THINK WE ARE GOING TO STAY HERE WITH ONLY THIRTY VACINES!
TEAM CAYMAN WANT TO ADVISE THEIR CAYMANIAN PEOPLE TO BOOK THEIR TICKETS NOW!!! TEAM CAYMAN IS OUT!!!
Dont call your self Team Cayman if you are going to run away from the swine flu that is not here. Call your self Team CHICKENS running to collect the flu. Normally people run out of the frying pan but they drop in the FIRE. Cayman is just as safe as any where else in the world maybe safer than you think. WHAT YOU RUNNING FOR ?????????COWARD?????? The Bible says its appointed onto man to die so running not going to help. You still going to die. My friend just make sure your soul is right with GOd first ask God to come into your life .
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! THE CDC JUST REPORTED THAT NOBODY IS IMMUNE WITH THE SWINE FLU!!!! YOU CAN EXPECT MORE DEATHS! IT’S BEING CALL THE GROUND ZERO OF THE CENTURY!!!
TEAM CAYMAN has just founded out ways of getting rid of this swine flu and the remedy is PIG SLAUGHTERING!!!! Once we controll the slaughter of the pigs then we are more safer! Now I did’nt say anything about Mexicans!!!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED WITH NEWS ON THE RUN!!!!
GET THE FEVER GRASS AND PLANT IT NOW.
All contesting party candidates, UDP, PPM, INDEPENDENT this is the time to call up each other if you do not have the fever grass growing in your yard. Get a root and plant it, water it daily and you are ready to go. If the Swine flue hits us, make sure you are drinking at least 3 cups a day. Oh!!!!!! it taste so good with brown sugar, hot or cold.
Grandma Nettie and them old folks said it was the best thing for the fever, so dont worry about getting TAMIFLU, it is too expensive and we wont get it anyway, and on top of that maybe the ingredients of TAMIFLU is Fever Grass, who knows. Stay safe. Blessed.
Where do you get Fever Grass in Cayman?
Yes don’t blame the minister because he is such a NICE man and remember his hands are not clean but they are always TIED
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! Egypt has order every pig to be SLAUGHTER, due to the fact of this swine flu!!! TEAM CAYMAN was also informed from various sources that pork products is still safe, and can still be eaten! TEAM CAYMAN replied back by saying! YOU THINK WE ARE CRAZY!!!!
AS ALWAYS MY FRIENDS TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED!!!
To the 0525 poster – Why are we blaming the Government for not being prepared? Because being prepared is what you do in advance to be ready for a future event. That is the very thing they did not do. The recommended stock of anti-virals would cost about $110,000 per year ($650k with a four year shelf-life). As pointed out already, that is about 25% of the expenditure on Heroes’ Day or 7% of the spending on the Constitution publicity. So now Caymanian lives are being put at risk because of the decision of the Minister of Heatlh. Why is blaming him for his poor decisions foolish?
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! A MARINE HAS JUST BEEN INVESTIGATED FOR CAUSING THE SWINE FLU!
As you all can see my reporters are really working hard on this case, we are continuing to get more and more urgent reports in a.s.a.p! We will continue to keep the Caymanian public with every up to date info, as we get it in!!!!!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU INFORMED!!!
Costs of stocks to keep the population safe from the pandemic for 4 years (which most experts agree is coming sooner rather than later) – $625,000.
Annual expenditure by the Government on Heroes Day $600,000.
We did not stock up because of costs, but gosh we had some beautiful new banners and a statue instead on Heroes Day. Priorities?
Here is the MSN article on the little boy who died (after travelling to Mexico) for those who may want to read it for themselves.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30471035/
TEAM CAYMAN you are a trip lol! I nearly peed my pants laughing, Anyway is our goverment really taking this into a serious consideration? Twyla, I will be growing my own seeds, trust me I will be doing it, old people style.
MY CAYMANIAN PEOPLE PLS STOP! PUTTING OUT THE NEWS BEFORE YOU CONTACT TEAM CAYMAN AND GET THE REAL FACTS FIRST!!!!
BREAKING NEWS! A little boy has died in the US due to the swine flu outbreak! President Obama has inform us all not to panic! In the meantime I have all my reporters working on this very serious case! So my Caymanian people dont panic yet! But here are some good tips!
1/Wash your hands and brush your teeth
2/Clap your hands and stamp your feet
3/Comb your hair and never fear
3/Dont run to CAYMAN iSLAND HOSPITAL before you say your prayers
AS ALWAYS TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED!
Some of you people are seriously foolish with your remarks. How can a government prepare itself for an outbreak which happened last week? Better yet, why does everyone expect the Cayman Islands to suddenly become a priority case and countries should jump up and give us there supplies? Give me a break, every nation-state protects the interest of its own people first, its a basic fundamental principle regarding basic governance.
SWINE FLU —-HOW MANY CAYMANIANS
If the swine flue hits Cayman, how man Caymanians will be able to take a sup of the TAMIFLU medication? Sorry I do not think any of us will get in that line up of 25 to 30, believe it or not., and think about it.
Everyone had better plant some fever grass tea in their yard, Old people say it is the best remedy for the fever, and it is the fever that kills. Blessed
We are meant to have enough meds for 25% of the population – about 15,000 people. We have 25. This is a disgrace. Silence from the Cabinet. This has decided my vote on May 20.
Why have we not heard from the LOG on this very critical topic? Is he so busy compaigning that he does not care about the safety of the people? He needs to speak up. Why are we so unprepared for such an epidemic as this? If anyone beleives that this is not a serious issue then take a look at all the preparations that other jurisdictions are making to prevent its spread.
Stop Already….
This new?
Put so much energy into the truth for children,women and abuse. Swine is the abuser and killer, but not the swine flu in the news, why so concerned about that and not about our children, women and abuse. ‘Swine’ in a local language is defined as an abuser.
HA HA HA HA HA! TEAM CAYMAN I have to thank you for really making my day LOL! That was so darn funny tha I even spilled my coffee on myself! LOL It’s about time someone say whats really going on at that darn hospital! LMAO
Anonymous, sorry to save but I dont go to C.I.H even if I have a cough, I wont even go there with my CAT! Are you crazy?? I fly to Miami whenever am sick! Even if I was dying I wont want to go there ! What u all need to do is check your books and see how many people already has died negligently at C.I.H hands! The truth must be told and its nothing but the truth!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED!
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I"M NOT ONLY CALL TEAM CAYMAN BUT ALSO THE BLACK NANCY GRACE! IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH CNS!!
Team rational thanks for giving me that up to date information! I had to fired one of my reporters today because he mis-interpeted the situation! NO NEED TO BE ALARM MY CAYMANIANS!!
TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING U ALL INFORMED ONCE AGAIN!
To 16:51. No-one is blaming swine ‘flu on the PPM, but there is no-one else to blame for the failure to implement the PPM’s own pandemic care policy, a failure which exposes this country to the risk of expsoure without any protection save for the two dozen doses of Tamiflu – it was meant to be enough for 25% of the population (which shoudl do as children and elderly are not really at risk of dying from this disease.) The failure to protect us is a disgrace and it is a disgrace of the PPM. THE PPM AT THEIR BEST GREAT TALK NO ACTION. Don’t stop that progress!
TEAM RATIONAL – Your comment at – 04/28/2009 – 15:50 was informative and very funny! LOL! Thanks for the information and for the laugh!……a "chill pill"…oh that was too funny!…sometimes laughter is the best medicine. But yes this is a serious situation and we need to get prepared, but we need to also try to be calm and make sure we put out the correct information. Having eveyone is panic mode with help no one!
If this is so TEAM CAYMAN and OTHERS then when majority of people are sick why is it HSA they are running to? Why not make there funeral arrangements and stop making the hospital staff waste their time of even trying to look after you ungrateful people. Since you guys can obviously do better why dont you come and diagnose and treat the people. I hope when the tamiflu does come into the island you are not in line for it after all it might kill you, right? Before you make comments about the situation at hand it would be wise to know what is actually going on. The tamiflu can not be used as a preventative measure, it has to be taken 48 hours after coming in contact with the swine flu to be deemed effective, so what is the sense of the Cayman Islands to keep it in abundance here? You people are just so ignorant and thoughtless sometimes i advise you to listen to the news and adhere to the facts surrounding this pandemic.
Good Lord! Now the Swine Flu is being blamed on the PPM!! OMG! You crazy people crack me up! For crying out loud people this thing really only came to light this weekend! It seems that the government is doing all they can to get prepared for a possible outbreak here. I’ve read that they should have more supplies of Tamiflu on island by this weekend. That’s some comforting news! Stop all the political bashing for God’s sake! OUR LIVES COULD VERY WELL BE IN DANGER! No one is Immune to this flu! No one from the PPM or UDP! So STOP the BULL and think about what you’re going to do if you have to be off work for a week or two or if your kids have to be out of school for a week of two! Think about how best you can protect yourself and your family and LEAVE THE POLITICS OUT OF THIS YOU MORONS! This is a life threatening situation!! So come together and stop bickering!!!
My question to the Health Authority is: What is the expiration period of such medicines? Sometime ago we were threatened by the "bird flu". Couldn’t HSA have learnt from that and be well prepared in the event of any further outbreaks? We are always told to plan ahead in the event of emergencies. How long will it take to have this medication shipped to us and it’s availibility?
Why do we always wait until the last minute to get things in place, and end up running around like "chickens with their necks cut off"?
I hope this will be another lesson learnt, and always "plan ahead"
Can you please answer a few questions for me…
1. If someone has travel plans to visit Texas in about 6 weeks do you think they should travel?
2. If so what are the precautions that they could take before they leave the Island?
I would appreciate someone responding to my questions?
Thanks in advance.
If Tamiflu is not taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms showing it is too late. So if there is any outbreak now in Cayman there is real chance someone will die because of the Government’s failure to implement its own pandemic policy. Why are we hearing nothing from the Government about what they are doing? The silence is deafening.
There was a chance we all die in Ivan, never happened.
Stop already.
Just because…..
It does not matter at the moment who is responsible …
Could we all for once think practical?
Fact is that the medicines are right now on not available on the islands.
And we can not organise to get the supplies ourselves (subscription drugs).
Perhaps the Health Authority should order de drugs and offer those to the public without subscription at costprice to all who can afford it, with the advice not to take the drugs unless adviced to do so by a doctor?
And supply the drugs free of charge to those who cannot afford to pay.
I am sure that many people would choose to buy the drugs just in case.
A "pandemic" supply …
And a suggestion: perhaps all people who do not show any symptoms of flu should stay at home?
After all, many people might be carriers without being aware of it, but there would be no new infections amongst healthy people at least. Drastic measure, I know, but worth it to avoid a worldwide pandemic.
It would be better if the comments section of CNS were used to provide actual information as opposed to the fear and panic that’s being posted. TEAM CAYMAN needs to make sure accurate information is given verses untrue postings and claiming to keep us informed.
The so called 2 confirmed deaths in New York are actually 2 suspected deaths in LA that testing has not proven to be the case yet.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/04/two-los-angeles-county-deaths-possibly-related-to-swine-flu-coroner-says.html
I think instead of the Tamiflu some of us need a perscription for a "chill pill".
To: TEAM CAYMAN.
Can you please tell me where you are getting your information from? I have been all over the internet and can see no where that anyone has died in the US.
Thank you.
You folks need to take a deep breath and actually read what the WHO is saying.
There are now two deaths in New York in the U.S.A ! Pray my Caymanian people pray! May God help us all!!!! God please bless our little Cayman Isle! TEAM CAYMAN KEEPING U INFORMED!!!
CNN just stated that they now have no way of controlling the outspread of this flu….Cayman are you prepared? I guess not! Aint that a shame!!!!! Shame shame shame on our Goverment!!!!
RESPONSE TO MESSAGE 18 & 19 BELOW:
MY POINT WAS NOT TO TAKE ANY POLITICAL SIDES!!!! I AM NOT A UDP OR PPM SUPPORTER … THE POINT IS THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING NOTHING THUS FAR – YES THAT PRESS RELEASE WAS IN THE PAPER BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE ACTUAL TESTING!!! FOR THE SWINE FLU …. KNOWING CAYMAN HOSPITAL THEY WILL SEND HOME EVERYONE THAT DOES HAVE IT AND THEY WILL BE DEAD SHORTLY THERE AFTER …… REALLY THE MOST THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO IS MAKE SURE WE HAVE PROPER TESTING SO THAT WE CAN MINIMIZE OUR EXPOSURE AS A COUNTRY AND CATCH CASES (IF ANY) AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
ITS STUPID TO BE EVEN THINKING POLITICS REGARDING THIS!!!!! THIS IS A HEALTH CONCERN BUT THEY ARE THE RESPOSIBLE PARTIES ….. WHAT??? IS EACH CITIZEN SUPOSSED TO GO ABROAD TO GET TESTED????
CNS: Could you post comments without the caps lock on please?
KNOWING CAYMAN HOSPITAL THEY WILL SEND HOME EVERYONE THAT DOES HAVE IT AND THEY WILL BE DEAD SHORTLY THERE AFTER ..
You know something I had to laugh at this one lol! But it’s true! I thought by now that they had at least did a review at the C.I H on these staff of jokers. You check in there today you might as well have your casket ready! They are another set of jokers! They will tell you that you have one thing and then its the next! Trust me they will send you home and tell you that you have a sinus and next thing you know your dying from cancer!
This comment is in no way meant to be political but factual so all please read carefully! What I can not fathom, is yet we are faced with a "crisis" and there is very little being done to protect or assist us by the government.
I’ve read for several months about the many resources that went into all these disaster and hazard training to be able to effectiviely deal with any such occurence. However now that we are face to face with one…..we are completely unprepared!
And most importantly why for an island of 40,000-50,000 do we ONLY have 25- 30 doses of the Tamiflu???? While I understand the post regarding an experiation date……is it not better to be prepared and "waste money" than to not be prepared at all???? Lives are in danger here and I’m sorry but you cannot put a price on a life! There are many area to cut costs and save funds but this is NOT one of them….life is too precious!
I’m really not sure what this government has done in the last 4 years to improve any quality of life here and it is really a disappointment. There are some that try to give you the benefit of the doubt every chance they get but really you all just keep digging your hole deeper and deeper.
And to the post about the hurricane and the UDP blaming the PPM. That was really silly….of course they can’t blame them for the hurricane! However, if like this situation yet again, they do not PREPARE for the hurricane they shall certainly get the blame!!!
Ok, I wasn’t happy to hear that there were only about 26 or so doses of Tamiflu on the island. I think that’s pretty pathetic yes, but you also have to think that this medication must have an expiration date and what if you’re stock piling this stuff and you never get to use it. It’s still money wasted. In light of recent events, it’s essential that we get the medication on island ASAP! Mr. Eden please pull up your socks and get this done now or you will lose my vote come May 20th. All we can do is get prepared. I’m scared as hell right now, but I’m doing all I can to get myself as prepared as possible. I just hope to God we get the medication we need on island as soon as possible. And for pete’s sake people why does eveything have to revolve around the PPM being such a bad government! They didn’t cause the outbreak! Give them a chance to do what needs to be done now to protect their people!
PPM step it up and show these UDP supporters that you mean this country well! I’m a loyal supporter, but you gotta do your part too.
Even if this was not weeks before an election this appears to be a resignation issue. People on these Islands are now at risk of death because of the apparent inability of the government to do something rather than just say they will do it. Why do we not have adequate supplies? Adults under 50 are the most at risk of dying from the disease. As voters, remember who is putting your life at risk right now by their incompetence – Mr. Eden and his cronies.
Really how ignorant can people be?
How is the government being blamed for this? Us a small community. The US isn’t even prepared for it so how do you all expect US to be? Bear in mind this pandemic developed over a WEEKEND!! Everyone, every governemnt is scrambling to get supplies and prepare. From what I can see our local authorities are in constant contact with the CDC and the WHO, what more can they do? They are working diligently to get our islands prepared and to protect us as a people.
How is Mr. Anthony Eden supposed to get these supplies? Is it not the responsibility of our Hospital to get these supplies and/or the HSA Board? He cannot be blamed for this! I guess you all want him to jump on the next plane and get the supplies and bring them back for you all? Even if he did that you all would find something else to complain about! You all want to use him and the current government as a beating stick! Instead of US as a people coming TOGETHER on this matter and supporting our government and our people! So that when this, God willing, has died down we can stand together and rejoice that ALL of us stood by each others side and we survived!
I just cannot believe that people are being SO ignorant, I am a young voter and I know Mr. Anothony Eden and what he has done for the Health Services in the Cayman Islands over the past years. I guess you all have forgotten what it was BEFORE him! It does not fall completely on him, why are we not questioning the HSA Board? Or the people who run the hospital day in and day out?
There is NO vaccine for the swine flu!
What is being done to order more drugs to fight this flu? Dr. Kumar seems to be very optimistic that the flu virus coming here is a milder form. Does he have scientific proof of this? If not, why is the HSA not doing something about ordering more of the drug? Its all well and good to say that a UK Company can manufacture more, but the HSA might actually have to put in an order before this can happen???????????
Ok great – what happens if this has not mutated into a milder strain and we get the full force of this flu. Even though the CMO admits that the HSA failed to follow its own advice to stock pile and mentioned that some company in the UK can manufacture more. Have you actually asked them to do that? If so, how long will it take to manufacture? HOw long will it take to get the vaccine to the Cayman Islands. If not, what are you planning to do when the 25 to 30 you have here have all been dispensed. This is just unbelievable and totally irresponsible. Someone must be held accountable for this fiasco. .
Wow… in no way do i support the PPM and as a matter of fact I believe that they may be one of the most incompetent group of elected representatives in our Country’s history but HOW CAN YOU BLAME THEM FOR THIS???
Did any of you predict an outbreak of swine flu? Did any of you even know of swine flu up until recently? I’m not saying that preventitive measures should be put in place now but to blame them for being unprepared is completely rediculous.
I know this is not a political issue but UDP supporters give me a break! When I hear you people blaming the PPM for Mark and Dwayne not completing their constitutional requirements and now blaming the PPM for not expecting a swine flu outbreak, it’s really sad and discouraging.
I hope we don’t get a hurricane this year because by some of the responses that I’m reading here if we get one the UDP will probably blame the PPM for that too!
This have to be a JOKE!!!!Government Fail us.
Don’t tell me that HSA only have 25-30 vaccines to combat this swine flu.Shame on you!!!!Minister EDEN and HSA for not having the foresight to buy enough to protect our children,senior citizens and the population as a whole.Only take one person to come to this shores to create a pandemic….Shame on you HSA AND THE PPM!!!!
I do believe that at the present time there is no flu vaccine to combat the swine flu. There is medication for it but not a vaccination against it – so dont be so quick to criticise the HSA
Squadie was absolutely right apparently this virus was in a town called La Gloria Mexico from early March so it was probably spreading from then and was probably mutating all this time to the stage it is at now . Thank goodness for CNS and quality of posters and analysis cant say the seem for HSA and the minister Eden who is out of touch with the real world Him and the Good Reverend need to be put in an Incubator or donor list for sense. I hope people vote with their brains this time and not with their hearts for this NICE man VOTE for capable people for God sake Gilbert & Ezzard for effective representation to save the HSA. What a mess we are in
OK. thanks to Realist for confirmation on Carnival Valor’s itinerary — I stand corrected! (and happy to be since that means less people coming here after being in Mexico due to current circumstances)
This is precisely why Anthony Eden SHOULD NOT BE re-elected.
No planning, no foresight – putting ministers on boards to appease them. Get him out before we have a real pandemic!
It’s a shame and disgrace what he has done with the HSA! All because he’s a nice guy!!!!
The present government ignored the 2007 plan for a Pandemic Outbreak? How can one ignore that? We are going to rely on England to send us enough medication? Like they supplied us during Hurricane Ivan. We are just like Mexico now a third world country!!!! I don’t think the Government understands the extent and the seriousness of this outbreak!!!!!
OMG! OMG! This has to be a joke right? The Cayman Islands hospital only has 25 to 30 drugs to treat the people of the Cayman Islands if a pandemic flu outbreak here! What kind of a disgrace Goverment do we have here? They are more concern about money than their peoples wellfare! I cant believe this! Are our Goverment that cheap? What are they doing with our money? Trust me instead of you all trying to develope Cayman more and more look to your people first! Why is our Caymanian people afraid to speak up for their rights? I dont understand this! You all have a voice dont let anyone stop you! MLK had a voice and he change the world! OBAMA had a voice and he change the world! Including many more great voices! If you all just sit there and just talk about it and dont act on it then whats the use of having theses discussions?
SPEAK UP NOW CAYMANIAN PEOPLE! TELL THE GOVERMENT TO SUPPLY MORE VACINES TO HELP TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!! PROTEST FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! DO SOMETHING NOW BEFORE IT"S TOO LATE!!!!!
well, the answer if the antiviral stock pile is anwsered on monday’s caycompass as per dr kumar
the Cayman Island is NOT prepared and does NOT have enough on hand in the event of a pandemic, even goes as far to mention that there are only enough for about 25 to 30 persons
ooops…..
I am not sure what the Compass is attempting to do with this morning’s headline "No Pandemic Plan" which appears above an article discussing government’s 2007 Influenza Pandemic Plan. How nice it must be to be a "journalist" for the Compass and write some "kick-butt" headlines that don’t have anything to do with facts.
The WHO has said this has gone beyond travel restrictions already. Unless Cayman wants to cut itself off from the world indefinitely then we just have to accept what happends and prepare for the worst case scenario. We need confirmation of the stocks of anti-virals kept on the Island.
In response to the Carnival Valor Itinerary:
I believe the poster who states the Valor makes two stops in Mexico prior to arrival in Cayman is reading the 2009 winter schedule, rather then our current spring schedule. The Valor is a Sunday to Sunday sailing. For it to get to Cayman by Tuesday after making two stops in Mexico is not physically possible.
Below is the schedule for the Valor showing Cayman as it’s first scheduled stop.
The Valor left Miami at 4pm yesterday April 26th.
They are at sea all day today, April 27th.
They arrive Cayman Tueday April 28th at 7:00 am, departing at 4:00 pm.
They then travel to Roatan (April 29th), then Belize(April 30th) and finally Cozumel arriving in Mexico on Friday May 1st.
They are at sea on Saturday May 2nd, returning to Miami on Sunday May 3rd
To the poster who said that the cruiselines go to Mexico after us, that may generally be the schedule, however I just looked it up and the Carnival Valor is due to come into our Cayman port tomorrow after TWO stops in Mexico. First to Costa Maya, Mexico, then to Belize, then to Cozumel, Mexico, then to Grand Cayman.
We should stop this ship from coming into our Port to protect Caymanians and residents, and other tourists alike.
We need to keep this Swine Flu out of our Country!!
There is a couple in the Brac who just returned from Mexico they may want to get checked to make sure they have not brought back any virus with them.
I think it is best that we look at this rationally. And I agree with the poster who queried our stock of antiviral medications.
And, whilst I think it might be reasonable to divert ships from Cayman with a port of call that visits Mexico prior to arriving here, that is not the standard itinerary. The standard route for the ships is Florida, Jamaica, Cayman, Cozumel, Florida. There are some variations, (some ships stop in Haiti, some go out of Galveston) but a relatively few ships go to Mexico then Cayman.
A check of the Port Authority’s cruise ship shedule, and the associated cruiselines’ websites shows that there are no ships scheduled this week that are visiting Mexico prior to arriving in Cayman. Also of note, none of the outbreaks in Mexico have occured in the region near Cozumel.
This swine flu has probably been in existence from alot earlier and they are just saying now all person coming from states bordering Mexico are potential carriers TEXAS ARIZONA CALIFORNIA those are no doubt the Areas to watch for outbreaks We need to screen properly all these Travellers all flights coming from Houston or Dallas not just Cruise ship passengers. Our contruction industry has so many different nationalities it is a very difficult situation.
Actually TEAM CAYMAN, as in many ‘flu outbreaks, it is young adults who are most at risk of dying not children – all the Mexican deaths are in the 20-50 age group.
Well the latest news now on CNN is that you can expect to have some deaths in America real soon. CAYMAN GOVERMENT WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PROTECT OUR PEOPLE MOST OF ALL OUR CHILDREN????? FOR PETE SAKES FORGET ABOUT MONEY FOR ONCE! MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL!!! STOP!!!! THE CRUISE SHIPS FROM ENTERING CAYMAN!!!!! CONSEQUENCES WILL FOLLOW IF IMMEDIATELY ACTIONS ARE NOT ACTED UPON RIGHT NOW! PUT YOUR PEOPLES HEALTH FIRST & LET THE DEVIL TAKE HIS SHIP AND GO HOME!
What stocks does Cayman have of Tamiflu and Relenza? That is what we need to know at the moment.
Maybe if you had read the press release from the Public Health Dept. on Friday, April 24, 2009 you would have seen what was said by the Director of Public Health "Dr. Kumar said there was no vaccine against Swine Influenza. He is advising persons who may have travelled to these areas and experience fever and respiratory symptoms to contact their physicians".
REALLY I CANT UNDERSTAND WHAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT WE HAVE HERE … I CALLED THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING TO INQUIRE IF SOMEONE WANTED TO COME IN AND GET TESTED FOR THE VIRUS HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST – THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT DOING ANY TESTING AS THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY ALARM IN CAYMAN AS YET!!! SO HOW IN THE WORLD ARE WE GONNA KNOW IF IT’S HERE OR NOT ….
THIS FLU SEEMS LIKE IT’S SPREADING LIKE A WILD FIRE AND OUR GOVERNMENT IS DOING NOTHING (I GUESS THEY NEED TO SEE A FEW PEOPLE DEAD FIRST) … WE HAVE CRUISE SHIPS THAT COME IN HERE ENROUTE FROM MEXICO AND THOUGH IT MIGHT SEEM FAR FROM HOME ITS REALLY NOT …. THIS GOVERNMENT HAS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY COULD ATLEAST START TAKING PRE-CAUTIONARY MEASURES AND SAY ANYONE WHO HAS TRAVELED TO MEXICO IN THE LAST 3-6 MONTHS OR ANYONE EXHIBITING FLU LIKE SYMTOMS TO COME IN ……..
I really can’t understand how ridiculous and absurd some people can be. I have been waiting to see how long it would take for someone to turn this swine flu into a political matter in Cayman. By golly it didn’t take long! You UDP supporters appear to be really desperate.
The scary thing is that there have been suspected cases already in New York and Texas, which are both areas that Cayman Airways fly to on a regular basis.
Then there are the cruise ships coming from areas that have cases…..then the BA flights that come in (a lady is being tested in Manchester as I write this).
Without doubt there will be at very least "suspected" cases reaching our shores soon, I am not trying to scare anyone, just to give the facts. In todays age of travel no disease can be contained, it is only a matter of time.
What we need to be asking is for how long are we going to allow cruise ships that have traversed areas known to have the virus? What stockpiles (if any) of the vaccine do we have in Cayman? What are we doing to protect people living here?
Inthe meantime, and until we get those answers PLEASE – if you are sick, stay home, you are doing nobody any favours infecting other people. Stay home and take care of yourself. If you are not sick then try make it stay that way, eat healthy, take vitamins, rest, wash hands often……
Let’s do everything we can to make sure that this does not affect Cayman in a serious way. We are a small country and we need to protect ourselves.
Stay safe people.
From a concerned expat who loves Cayman
Baxter: Product contained live bird flu virus
*SNIP
While H5N1 doesn’t easily infect people, H3N2 viruses do. If someone exposed to a mixture of the two had been simultaneously infected with both strains, he or she could have served as an incubator for a hybrid virus able to transmit easily to and among people.
That mixing process, called reassortment, is one of two ways pandemic viruses are created
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/02/27/8560781.html
By Helen Branswell, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Last Updated: 27th February 2009, 3:26pm
The company that released contaminated flu virus material from a plant in Austria confirmed Friday that the experimental product contained live H5N1 avian flu viruses.
And an official of the World Health Organization’s European operation said the body is closely monitoring the investigation into the events that took place at Baxter International’s research facility in Orth-Donau, Austria.
“At this juncture we are confident in saying that public health and occupational risk is minimal at present,” medical officer Roberta Andraghetti said from Copenhagen, Denmark.
“But what remains unanswered are the circumstances surrounding the incident in the Baxter facility in Orth-Donau.”
The contaminated product, a mix of H3N2 seasonal flu viruses and unlabelled H5N1 viruses, was supplied to an Austrian research company. The Austrian firm, Avir Green Hills Biotechnology, then sent portions of it to sub-contractors in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Germany.
*SNIP
(from source)
Track Swine flu here
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106484775090296685271.0004681a37b713f6b5950&ll=47.100045,9.316406&spn=34.792294,79.101563&t=h&z=4
The World Health Org (WHO) held an emergency meeting in Geneva and "asked countries around the world to ‘intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.’"
WHO seems to be dithering hopelessly about what to do and still they keep the pandemic alert level at phase 3.
"The organization (WHO) said the level could be raised to phase 4 if the virus shows sustained ability to pass from human to human. Phase 5 would be reached if the virus is found in at least two countries in the same region. ‘The declaration of phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short,’ WHO said. Phase 6 would indicate a full-scale global pandemic."
Clearly, we are at phase 4 and, probably, phase 5. Thankfully, the cases outside Mexico seem milder and there have been no reported deaths aside from the total in Mexico, which remains suspiciously low at the 81 disclosed two days ago.
Maybe this will blow over. Maybe it won’t.
There are nagging reports of this flu’s DNA carrying clear earmarks of having been intentionally engineered, with avian and swine strains from different continents, spliced together with a human vector to enable its entry into the general population. Clearly, it is communicable, but not clear is whether it is airborne. Masks are useless. Touching things, including others, then your face, is what does it, for sure.
end
Your so right Bob our children should be our mean concern… before school start tommorow lets hope they have already called public health in to make sure the place was very sanitary. Our children is our number one piority and I do hope our Goverment are going to find the best solution to protect our kids and their safety.
Cayman is a very small Island and if there is a pandemic outbreak there God help us all. All we need is prayers right now and the lords blessings. As far as the cruise-ship goes, the C.I Goverment should not make them port because we as Caymanians come first and they should put our peoples health first above all. My advice for us all is to protect ourselves with a mask and keep praying.
What are we doing about the cruise ship traffic that come via Mexico? are there sanitary precautions put in place? How about sanitary clean up in schools, public bathrooms/areas mainly in town where people and visitors roam daily
Is Cayman prepared to handle an outbreak?
This is not an alarmist post.
WHO and the CDC are very responsible in conveying the seriousness of this potential pandemic.There is no vaccine. The first line of defence is to individually bolster your immune defences.
Our small population requires proactive, individual increase in responsibility. One case is too much.
Stay safe so we can vote in May and vent on CNS.
My Caymanian people, what we really need to focus on right now is about this swine flu, if we dont pay more attention to the more important things thats going on in this world instead of this election then we would all be dead before election comes around! Put God and your health first, look to your children, then we can focus on the lesser important things.