Classrooms still flu-free say health officials

(CNS): Despite the return to school this week by all the islands’ students the feared spike in flu figures has not yet materialized. Health Service Authority officials said “flu activity” in Cayman remains low, and schools haven’t reported any abnormal incidence during the first week of classes. “While this is encouraging, we must remain vigilant,” said Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joy Wallace. So far Cayman has seen only one fatality as a result of the HINI or swine flu virus of a patient with other medical complications.

“For now there seems to be a lull in the amount of cases overall, although we have admitted two patients with H1N1 flu to the hospital this week, both with underlying medical conditions,” the doctor added. Public health officials reiterated the importance of personal actions that can limit the spread of the H1N1 virus, such as social distancing, keeping sick children out of school and hand washing. There are still concerns that as the northern hemisphere turns into its fall season the flu will mutate and become more virulent.

For more information on H1N1 visit www.CaymanPrepared.ky or www.hsa.ky. The Health Services Authority also offers the public direct responses to their flu queries through its flu email and message system – flu@hsa.ky. This complements the 24-hour flu hotline (926-2812) manned by HSA staff.