22 June 2009
Lab results for the student at Les Quennevais School tested for Swine Flu after having been in contact with a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) are negative.
People who attended the same lessons as the student on the afternoon before that person became unwell were given the anti-viral drug, Tamiflu, as a precautionary measure. This decision was based on an assessment of risk, as part of efforts to slow down the spread of the new virus during what’s being referred to as the ‘containment stage’.
Consultant Microbiologist, Ivan Muscat, said: “As there is no confirmed case of Swine Flu at Les Quennevais, anyone who was advised to take Tamiflu in relation to last week’s possible case should now stop taking it – it is no longer needed.”
Les Quennevais School continues to remain open as normal. Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Susan Turnbull, said: “We would like to reassure people in Jersey that we continue to monitor the situation closely. It is very important that anyone unwell with fever (temperature 38 degrees or more) and flu symptoms (cough, sore throat, headaches or aching muscles or joints) stays at home, and does not attend school or work. They should also call their GP, or the GP Co-op out of hours for a home visit rather than visit the surgery or A&E. Home visits under these circumstances do not cost any more than a surgery visit, under new Regulations passed by the States last month.”
Last Thursday (18 June 2009), a further two cases of Swine Flu were confirmed in Jersey. Both patients are recovering well. One of the confirmed cases was at Helvetia House School, which was closed on Friday 19 June and today (22 June) as a precautionary measure. The school will re-open tomorrow (23 June).
Dr Ivan Muscat, said: “Following consultation with Helvetia School and the Education, Sport and Culture Department, we have decided to re-open the school. Everyone at the school is taking Tamiflu as a measure to help limit any further spread, and as long as they continue taking the course of Tamiflu which they have been prescribed and they do not have any flu symptoms, they can return to school.”
Health Minister, Deputy Anne Pryke, said: “We are taking this new threat seriously. I am confident that we are very well prepared and responding to this constantly moving picture. Officials in my Department are in close communication with Education, Sport and Culture colleagues, to ensure an effective and proportionate response to tackling the new virus. We will continue to take all reasonable precautions to contain the spread of Swine Flu in Jersey, while learning from experience around the world where many other areas are already heavily affected.”
Dr Turnbull added: “It is important to remember that, worldwide, the vast majority of people who have had the virus experience a mild or moderate illness and then get better. The relatively small proportion with serious illness worldwide, including fatal cases, have been mostly aged between 30 and 60 years old. We need to keep it all in perspective – it is extremely rare for children to have had any serious illness as a consequence of swine flu.”
The Flu helpline, which provides public information, is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and the number to call is 445566. Anyone needing medical advice should call their GP.
gov.je