Three islanders tested for Swine Flu

30 April 2009

Three islanders are being tested for the new swine influenza virus and treated with Tamiflu at home. They are all suffering from a flu-like illness, having recently returned from areas which are judged possible sources of the new swine flu. Tests are being carried out on samples at the specialist London lab at Colindale and it will take three days before Jersey doctors receive the results. The results, which will be announced when they are available, will show whether or not the three have contracted the new H1N1 virus.

The three people affected have been advised not to mix with others and doctors have prescribed Tamiflu for all those who have had close contact with them during the relevant period. Having flu-like symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is suffering from the new type of flu. However, Jersey doctors are following the national guidance and are testing anyone who falls ill after returning from Mexico or neighbouring countries.

Jersey’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rosemary Geller is advising children and healthcare workers returning to Jersey from Mexico or neighbouring US States to stay off school or work for 48 hours after returning to Jersey. This new policy is now considered necessary as more information about the scale of the outbreak in Mexico is becoming apparent.

Dr Geller said – “Events have moved quickly today and I have been gathering the latest information to enable me to make an accurate statement about this development. The death of a child in Texas from the new strain of swine flu serves as a reminder that influenza is an illness which must be taken seriously.
The World Health Organisation has now raised its alert level from 4 to 5 which means it considers a pandemic to be imminent. My department has already set up a health task force to assess all the international information as it emerges and to take action as necessary to protect islanders health.
Jersey’s preparations for a flu pandemic, should one be announced, remain among the most extensive in the world.”

Travel advice remains the same. Travel to Mexico is not recommended except in essential circumstances.