Skip to main content Skip to accessibility
This website is not compatible with your web browser. You should install a newer browser. If you live in Jersey and need help upgrading call the States of Jersey web team on 440099.
Government of Jerseygov.je

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Numbers of confirmed cases of Swine Influenza internationally rise

29 April 2009

​​​The number of confirmed swine flu cases internationally has now risen to 103, with a larger number of suspected, but unconfirmed, cases in Mexico.  A number of countries have a handful of confirmed cases with the USA having the most (64) after Mexico.

The World Health Organisation is monitoring this increasing number of cases very carefully. Its alert level remains at phase 4, which means that there is limited person to person spread. It is still impossible to know with certainty whether this outbreak will lead to a pandemic, and it is not yet clear how virulent the new strain is.

Jersey’s health authorities are checking the WHO alert status regularly in order to detect any change. If the status moves to phase 5, this would mean that a pandemic was imminent.

Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller , said today "I suspect it is only a matter of time before there is case in Jersey . However, the island is well-prepared. GPs will today receive a stock of the antiviral drug Tamiflu in case any islanders returning from Mexico become ill and need to be treated. This new variety of swine flu can be effectively treated with Tamiflu.”

Meanwhile the island’s health services are gearing up in case an imminent pandemic is declared. The Chief Executive of Health and Social Services, Mike Pollard , said "My Department is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.”

Travel advice remains unchanged from yesterday.

Back to top
rating button