01 May 2009
Jersey’s health authorities have announced two further suspected cases of Swine Flu (Influenza A (H1N1)) bringing the number of people tested to seven. Two of these tests have now come back negative for influenza A which means these individuals had not contracted the new H1N1 virus.
The Island’s Pandemic influenza health preparedness plan was put into action yesterday after the World Health Organisation raised the pandemic alert phase from 4 to 5, meaning a pandemic is imminent. 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.
Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, says “There are currently no confirmed cases in Jersey but we are continuing to monitor this rapidly changing situation. “
“We have enough Tamiflu for everyone living in the Island if they need it, but I must stress that, at this time, it will only be given to people once they have been examined by a doctor, and if they are a suspected case. Suspected cases would be those who have just returned from Mexico or other affected countries and are suffering from flu symptoms including a fever/temperature. Nobody should be taking Tamiflu without medical advice.”
“I would also like to urge anyone living in Jersey who has not registered their details with a GP to do so.”
The health authorities are still recommending people follow good hygiene practises, for example washing their hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from their hands to their face or to other people, disposing of used tissues and cleaning hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Current advice does not recommend people use facemasks as there is no evidence to suggest that they work as a preventative measure. Face masks will not be issued to the general public in Jersey.
A helpline has been set up and will be operational from 12.00 noon today (1 May) to answer Islanders’ queries. After that, lines will be open Monday–Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm. The number will be
445566.
The lines will also be open this Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 10am – 1pm
You can also e-mail your questions to
Public Health.
A public information leaflet is being prepared, which will be delivered 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.
Notes to Editors:
1. For further information, please contact Dr Rosemary Geller on 443707.
2. The WHO says it will now call the virus influenza A (H1N1) rather than swine flu
gov.je