False flu rumours via email

(CNS): An email that is being circulated stating that there are three confirmed cases of swine (H1N1) flu in International School is not true. Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar said this does not refer to the Cayman International School (CIS) and emphasised that H1N1 is a national health issue and spreading rumours is irresponsible. He confirmed that to date, there are no suspected cases of the new strain of influenza A (H1N1) reported in the Cayman Islands.

The Public Health Department and the Health Services Authority (HSA) are actively monitoring the situation and stringent surveillance measures remain in place, Dr Kumar explained in a release. “We will notify the public immediately should we have a confirmed case of H1N1 flu,” said Dr Kumar. Such a confirmation will also trigger further rigorous preventative measures, he added.

Cayman International School has contacted the Public Health Department and HSA and has sent an email to parents today stating: “We have just been made aware of an e-mail that is being circulated stating that there are 3 confirmed cases of swine (H1N1) flu in an International School. It does not state CIS, however, we have contacted Public Health and Dr Greg Hoeksema of the Health Services Authority, both of whom have confirmed that no cases of the H1N1 flu have been found on the island at this time. Unfortunately, we do not know the source of the rumour, but please be assured that we have investigated and there is no reason to be alarmed. If there were a confirmed case of H1N1 in the Cayman Islands, this information would be made public at the first possible opportunity. Please contact us if you have any questions. We want to reassure you that we take the welfare of our students very seriously.”