08 May 2009
A new case of possible “swine flu” (Influenza A (H1N1)) has been reported in the Island.
Tests are being carried out on samples at the specialist London lab at Colindale and it will take up to three days before Jersey doctors receive the results. The results, which will be announced when they are available, will show whether or not this patient has contracted the new H1N1 virus.
There have been no confirmed cases of Influenza A(H1N1) in the Island to date, with seven previous suspected cases having been returned as negative last week.
Jersey’s health authorities remain on alert for possible cases and are advising anyone with flu-like symptoms to request a home visit from their GP rather than visit their doctor’s surgery.
Medical Officer of Health Rosemary Geller has urged any Jersey resident who has not yet registered with a doctor to do so as soon as possible, and the Public Health Department is working on a public awareness campaign to encourage good hygiene to help prevent the spread of infection should Influenza A (H1N1) reach the Island.
Jersey has agreed to secure enough of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic-specific vaccine for the whole Island population as soon as the first batch becomes available. The vaccine is being manufactured to match the new pandemic flu virus strain exactly so it should give immunity to most people. Enough jabs have been ordered for the whole population and they’re expected to be delivered to Jersey in the autumn.
The Island has also stockpiled enough of the antiviral drug Tamiflu to treat the entire population should it become necessary.
gov.je