Archive for June 11th, 2009
H1N1 flu declared pandemic
(CNS): UPDATE Thursday 11:30am: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an H1N1 flu pandemic today, Thursday, 11 June. Locally public health officials and the Health Services Authority have reiterated that this does not indicate a major change in the nature of the virus and people needn’t panic. “A pandemic means that there is global sustained human-to-human transmission, and does not in anyway reflect the severity of the disease. Fortunately, to date, the H1N1 remains a mild virus. Today’s WHO announcement will therefore not change our response, as we have already adjusted our strategy to fit the situation,” said HSA Medical Director Dr Greg Hoeksema.
Public Health officials said earlier that person to person local transmission of H1N1 flu, formerly swine flu, has started in the Cayman Islands based on the latest test results and the third confirmed case. Dr Greg Hoeksema, Medical Director of the Health Services Authority, said that HSA’s strategy for dealing with H1N1 will now change from containment to trying to mitigate the spread of the virus by getting people who are sick to stay home.
“We have our first laboratory confirmed case of person-to-person transmission of the H1N1 virus in the Cayman Islands,” said Dr Hoeksema. “As a result, we are now shifting our public health strategy to minimize the spread of the virus within the community as much as possible. We are advising the public that anyone with a fever and a flu-like illness should stay in home isolation until your symptoms have completely resolved. There is no longer a need to report to the hospital or seek medical care unless you are concerned about the severity of your illness.”
The latest confirmed case is another student at First Baptist Christian School, Dr Hoeksema said, adding that it is the only confirmed case of novel H1N1 from the tests which were done at the school as part of the public health investigation last Friday following the first case. Tests of six other samples completed by CAREC have been negative for the novel H1N1 virus. Results on the remaining samples will be available by the weekend.
Dr Hoeksema said the youngster is doing well recovering at home without any medical treatment and emphasized that, with frequency of travel between the Cayman Islands and the United States, it is inevitable that there will be both additional imported cases and more human-to-human transmission in the islands.
"There is no reason for panic. Our main aim now is to contain the spread of this flu virus as much as possible.” Persons with fever and a flu-like illness must stay home from work and sick children must be kept in home isolation to avoid spreading the virus.
Health officials understand the anxiety in the community and the concern among parents in particular about this novel virus but it is important to remember that this new strain is no different from the cases of typical seasonal flu that are seen every year in Cayman. Only those who are seriously ill need to seek medical care. In addition, people who are at increased risk of developing complications of the flu should also visit their doctor. These patients include children under 5 years old, people over 65, those with serious chronic medical problems, people with immune deficiency, and women who are pregnant. All of these groups should be considered for treatment with the antiviral drug, Tamiflu.
A flu hotline has been set up to help patients who would like additional advice on 926-2812.
"Not everyone that has fever and a flu-like illness needs to seek medical care," said Dr Hoeksema. "Persons with uncomplicated illness should stay home.”
He explained that home isolation and self care is best for the majority of people infected with all flu viruses, including H1N1. He recommends that people who have a fever and flu-like symptoms (headache, chills, cough, chest pain, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting) should remain at home until all symptoms have resolved (typically 4-10 days); take over the counter medication as needed to relieve symptoms, but do not give children under 18 years of age any products containing aspirin; drink lots of fluids (water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages) to avoid becoming dehydrated; and If you have diarrhea or vomiting, it’s a good idea to rest, eat only small amounts of food at a time, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. The majority of patients worldwide have recovered from H1N1 flu following these simple recommendations.
The doctor also recommended that, to prevent spreading or catching someone else’s germs, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Throw out used tissues in the trash as soon as you can. Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs and wash your hands frequently if you are sick.
Dr Anna Matthews, Acting Medical Officer of Health, is also encouraging residents to plan ahead and think about what they would need to have in their house in case someone were to become infected with influenza and need to stay home, such as enough fluids (such as water, juice, soup) available to last for at least 10 days; basic household items to last for at least 10 days and to think of someone you could call upon for help if you became very ill and discuss this with him or her.
Coupled burned in explosion
(CNS): Two people have been injured in a gas explosion which took place at their home in West Bay on Tuesday night (9 June) because of a missing seal and incorrect connector on a kitchen propane tank. The Fire Service received the 911 call just before 9:00 pm reporting the explosion at a house on the junction of Watercourse Road and Boatswain Bay Road. Fire fighters aboard a fire tanker and rescue vehicle were dispatched from West Bay Sub Station, and arrived five minutes later.
Emergency medical personnel also attended the scene, and treated a man and a woman for burns.
The 20-lbs cylinder was found inside the building, under a two-burner stove. Fire officials say this is a dangerous and illegal practice, as these tanks should be kept outdoors. The explosion damaged the house’s second storey, which is constructed from wood.
This is the fourth serious, and potentially fatal, kitchen incident this year, McLaughlin said, adding that the Fire Service would be issuing more public advisories about the proper use of gas. He also advised residents to install smoke detectors and gas detectors in their homes.
For more information, or fire-safety tips, contact Fire Services at 949-0077, or Home Gas at 949-9339.