H1N1 tally grows in Cayman

(CNS): Although the Cayman Islands’ now has some 22 documented cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) following confirmation of eight more cases by CAREC this past week, health officials say that all local cases have been mild to moderate. While patients are contracting the virus over seas the flu is also being transmitted locally. Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Anna Matthews said that although three of the latest confirmed cases had a travel history to an H1N1 infected community, the latest figures confirm that Cayman has sustained local transmission.

“We should expect to see the numbers continue to climb,” she said. “However, all the cases so far have been mild to moderate and our strategy and message remain the same. We will continue to keep track of the H1N1 prevalence, and we ask people who are sick to stay at home and minimize contact with other people as far as possible.”

Public Health’s robust surveillance and testing programme has also identified the presence of other seasonal flu strains, including Influenza B and C strains. “Our proximity to the US and the fact that most of our residents are frequent travelers makes the presence of H1N1 in our country inevitable. We continue to monitor the H1N1 flu pandemic closely and will adjust our health response to fit any changes in the nature of this flu virus,” Dr. Matthews added.