29 April 2009
The number of confirmed swine flu cases internationally has now risen to 103, with a larger number of suspected, but unconfirmed, cases in Mexico. A number of countries have a handful of confirmed cases with the USA having the most (64) after Mexico.
The World Health Organisation is monitoring this increasing number of cases very carefully. Its alert level remains at phase 4, which means that there is limited person to person spread. It is still impossible to know with certainty whether this outbreak will lead to a pandemic, and it is not yet clear how virulent the new strain is.
Jersey’s health authorities are checking the WHO alert status regularly in order to detect any change. If the status moves to phase 5, this would mean that a pandemic was imminent.
Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller , said today "I suspect it is only a matter of time before there is case in Jersey . However, the island is well-prepared. GPs will today receive a stock of the antiviral drug Tamiflu in case any islanders returning from Mexico become ill and need to be treated. This new variety of swine flu can be effectively treated with Tamiflu.”
Meanwhile the island’s health services are gearing up in case an imminent pandemic is declared. The Chief Executive of Health and Social Services, Mike Pollard , said "My Department is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.”
Travel advice remains unchanged from yesterday.
gov.je