Confirmed cases of H1N1

13/10/2010

The Ministry of Health has recorded 28 cases of H1N1 during the months August, September and October of this year.

This is the total number of H1N1 cases as of January to October 2010. The age group most affected is 20 to 29 years at 46%.

The surveillance system for both seasonal and pandemic influenza is now in place. Additional surveillance via mobile health phones have been implemented to enhance timely reporting.

The ministry believes H1N1 is widely circulating in the community and it expects the influenza to appear in all divisions.

Of cases sampled so far an equal number lies in the central and western divisions.

Health centres have been alerted to heighten surveillance of influenza like illness (ILI) and report any increases of unusual respiratory symptoms and clusters of ILI in the community.

H1N1 is in circulation in other Pacific Island countries like New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Kiribati and others.

The Ministry is advising members of the public to take the following precautions:

Precautionary measures are:
  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Avoid close contact with people coughing and sneezing.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  • Persons with flu like symptoms should take plenty fluids and keep warm and dry.
  • Seek medical attention only if patient's condition worsens dramatically.