04 May 2009
Jersey’s
Health and Social Services Department has announced today (Saturday 2 May) that the remaining five suspected cases of Influenza A (H1N1) have proved negative. Tests on all seven suspected cases have now come back negative, which means there are currently no suspected cases of “Swine Flu” in Jersey.
Jersey’s
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, says “This is good news, but we are still closely monitoring this rapidly changing situation. There will be cases in Jersey at some point in the future and we need to be ready.
“The special telephone helpline we set up yesterday to answer queries from islanders received ten calls yesterday, and has been operating again today. I visited the staff this morning and they are managing very well with a steady volume of calls.”
Dr Geller has delivered detailed briefings on Jersey’s response to the global situation to senior civil servants, the Emergencies Council, constables and GPs. This programme of briefings will continue next week.
Jersey’s
Consultant Microbiologist, Dr Ivan Muscat, is advising people to take Tamiflu only if it’s been prescribed for them. He says: “If you need to take Tamiflu, it will be prescribed for you after professional assessment. Taking the drug without prescription means there’s a risk the virus could develop resistance to it, which would reduce its effectiveness when it’s needed.”
The Island’s Pandemic influenza health preparedness plan was put into action as soon as the
World Health Organisation raised the pandemic alert phase from 4 to 5 last week. As this is a new virus, there are currently no vaccines available but Jersey has stockpiled enough of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu to treat the entire population should it become necessary.
Extra supplies of other medicines and equipment have been ordered, including protective clothing and oxygen, in case they are needed at a later date.
Notes to Editors: A
special helpline has been set up to answer islanders’ queries. It will run from Monday–Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm, and lines will also be open throughout the bank holida weekend from 10am – 1pm
The number to call is 445566.
You can also e-mail your questions to
publichealth@health.gov.je A
public information leaflet is being prepared, which will be sent out to every household next week.
Posters are on display at the airport and ferry terminal and a media statement will be issued once a day to keep islanders up to date with developments.
The States website,
www.gov.je/flu will be regularly updated with the latest information.
Health professionals are recommending
good infection control practices, to help reduce transmission of all viruses.
This includes -
• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• Making sure your children follow this advice
gov.je