19 June 2009
A student at Les Quennevais School has been tested for Swine Flu after having been in contact with a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1).
Yesterday (18 June 2009), a further two cases of Swine Flu, which are thought to be unconnected, were confirmed in the Island. One of the confirmed cases was at Helvetia House School, which has been closed on Friday 19 June and Monday 22 June as a precautionary measure to help minimise the risk of infection in a small school community.
* For reasons of patient confidentiality, no further information will be released about the individuals.
Les Quennevais School has not been closed. People who attended the same lessons as the student on the afternoon before that person became unwell have been informed and advised to contact their GP to take the anti-viral drug, Tamiflu, as a preventative measure.
Director of Education, Mario Lundy, said: “We would like to reassure parents that we are working closely with the Public Health Department, and will continue to do so to ensure that health considerations are at the fore in the management of this situation. “
Deputy Medical officer of Health, Dr Susan Turnbull, said: “As we still have very small numbers of cases in the Island, Tamiflu is being used to help contain the spread of infection. The situation is being constantly monitored for any changes.
“Overall, the vast majority of people worldwide who have become infected with this new flu virus have experienced mild or moderate illness and have made a good recovery. However, the virus has the potential to cause more serious illness particularly in people with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, immune system disorders and obesity. Anyone with underlying chronic health problems and with a high temperature and other flu like symptoms or who is pregnant should not delay in contacting their GP, or the GP Co-op out of hours, to request a home visit. Home visits under these circumstances are provided at no greater cost than a surgery visit, under new Regulations passed by the States last month.”
People who have flu symptoms or have been advised to take Tamiflu as a preventative measure should call their GP and not go to A&E as Dr Turnbull explained: “We are urging people not to go to A&E as it could quickly become overwhelmed and if people do have the virus, it could spread into the hospital.”
Anyone who has a fever of 38ºC or more and with symptoms including a cough, sore throat, headaches or joint pain should ask for a home visit from their GP rather than visit the surgery.
The Flu helpline, which provides public information, is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. It will also be open this weekend between 10am and 1pm and the number to call is 445566. Anyone needing medical advice should call their GP.
gov.je