28 April 2009
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic alert phase from 3 to 4, in recognition of limited person-to-person spread of this new swine flu strain.
This means that in Jersey we must get ready for cases to occur here and for the likelihood of increased pressure on our healthcare services. The new flu strain can be treated by the anti-viral drug Tamiflu which has been stock piled in readiness for events such as this. The virulence of this new strain is unclear, with deaths recorded in Mexico but, as yet, not beyond that country.
Jersey ’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, says “The Foreign Office has now advised that people should only travel to Mexico for essential purposes and this is also our advice. Anyone who has arrived from affected areas, especially Mexico , within the last 7 days, and who has developed flu like symptoms, (fever, headaches, dry cough and sore throat) should stay at home and ask for an urgent home visit from their GP.”
The following simple measures will help both you and others and limit the spread of this virus.
· Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
· Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
· Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
· Cleaning hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
· Making sure your children follow this advice.
Although called 'swine flu', this virus cannot be caught from pigs and it is safe to eat well-cooked pork.
There will be regular media updates to keep the public up to date with the local situation.
More information about the Swine influenza in Mexico & US can be found on the Questions & Answers Page
gov.je