Swine Influenza

27 April 2009

Press Release 27th April 2009

Jersey ’s health authorities are monitoring the outbreak of a new flu strain - swine H1N1 - which has been noted in Mexico and the USA (primarily California , Texas and Kansas ). A meeting was held this morning for staff from the relevant departments to review the information available and to plan their response to any developments.

There have been no confirmed cases in the UK or Jersey , and the World Health Organisation pandemic alert level remains unchanged at 3.

Jersey ’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller , says:

“It is, as yet, unclear whether this outbreak will merely run its course or develop into something more serious. We are therefore keeping a close eye on developments, monitoring communications from the Health Protection Agency and the World Health Organisation, and from the UK ’s Chief Medical Officer.

We are recommending that anyone who develops a flu-like illness* within seven days of returning from Mexico or the USA should contact their GP to arrange an urgent home visit.”

There are no current travel restrictions on those who are planning to visit the affected areas of Mexico and/or the United States, but it is always good practice to follow respiratory and hand hygiene, such as: -

· 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.

The antiviral agent Tamiflu is effective against this strain of influenza, and Jersey has enough Tamiflu stored to treat the island’s population, should it become necessary.

*A flu-like illness is sudden onset of fever with a cough or sore throat.

More information about the Swine influenza in Mexico & US can be found on the Questions & Answers Page