Two more cases of Swine Flu in Jersey

18 June 2009

Two more cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Jersey.

The patients are doing well and are receiving treatment. Those who have been in contact with the patients who need preventive treatment with Tamiflu medication have been contacted.

* For reasons of patient confidentiality, no further information will be released about the individuals.

It has also been necessary to close Helvetia House School on a temporary basis, as a precaution. This decision will be reviewed on Monday.

The first person confirmed as suffering from swine flu in Jersey has made a full recovery.

Jersey’s Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Susan Turnbull, said: “The two patients are doing well and our first local patient, reported last week, has made a full recovery.

“It’s essential that people practise good hygiene, such as using tissues when coughing and sneezing, and regularly washing hands with soap to prevent the virus from spreading once cases arise in the Island. It’s also important that parents remind and help children to follow basic hygiene measures.”

Jersey doctors are being advised to test all patients with flu-like symptoms for Influenza A (H1N1), in particular anyone aged between 5 and 44 years with a fever of 38ºC or more and with symptoms including a cough, sore throat, headaches or joint pain. Anyone with flu-like symptoms should ask for a home visit from their GP rather than visit the surgery.

The special helpline set up to answer Islanders’ queries on Swine Flu is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and the number to call is 445566.