The Ministries of Health in St. Kitts & Nevis wish
to advise the general public that the outbreak of H1N1
(Swine) Flu in St. Kitts / Nevis is beingclosely monitored.
Information is provided below & elsewhere for guidance.
Press release #1 (26/04)   Press Rel #2 (30/04)    
Press release #3 (07/05)   Press Rel #4 (06/06)    
Press release #6 (15/07)   Press Rel #7 (27/07)
Press release #8 (21/10)   Press Rel #9 (13/12)    Press Rel #10 (13/12)
Pork Statement   Pandemic Phases.pdf   
FAQ  (WHO)   FAQ (CDC)    FAQ (SKN)    St. Kitts / Nevis Poster
November 12, 2009

Media Release #9
Subject:  Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

The Health Information Unit of the Ministry of Health continues to track the unfolding second wave of H1N1.
Please note the following:
1.        The Federation’s sixth positive H1N1 test was recently recorded in Nevis.
2.        The Office of the CMO earlier this week received a report of approximately two dozen children from
one primary school absent with flu-like illness.  A flurry of school absence does not warrant school closure.  
Parents must not send sick children to nursery and school.

3.        The news from the two regional vaccine-related meetings held in the Federation over the past ten days
is that the global H1N1 vaccine supply is lagging behind demand (the virus grows slowly in production media).
Therefore, the Federation will not receive vaccine in November, as first reported.  The earliest availability is
now projected for March 2010.

4.        Barbados recently reported persons infected with influenza and dengue.  Recent rain in the Federation
has resulted in an upsurge of mosquitoes.  

The absence of H1N1 vaccine is not a cause for alarm.  Vaccine is one weapon in the fight against H1N1.  
The most effective measures are good nutrition and hydration, adequate rest and exercise, personal hygiene
and environmental sanitation, and a positive mental attitude.

Additionally, health providers in the Federation are knowledgeable and skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of
influenza.  

Most H1N1 cases are mild and will not require treatment.  The health system has adequate stocks of anti-viral medication for those deemed by a doctor to need
treatment.

Population Health Advice

1.        To prevent influenza virus spread, “cover your cough and sneeze” with absorbent tissue, discard the tissue in a bin, and then wash your hands with soap and
water.
2.        Persons with flu-like illness must stay at home and contact their personal physician or community health center for advice.
3.        Persons with flu-like illness plus breathing difficulty, weakness or dehydration, must seek medical attention immediately at the nearest hospital.

4.        To prevent Dengue Fever, join the Environmental Health Department in the campaign to destroy mosquito breeding sites.

………………………………………………
Patrick Martin
Chief Medical Officer
Media Release # 9/10
Subject:  Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
2nd Wave
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WEBSITES H1N1 (Swine) FLU
Dr. Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer, St. Kitts - Nevis