MOH says prepared for influenzas

The Health Ministry says its prepared to handle another likely surge in the number of cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, even as the regular flu season approaches.



Jamaica now has 81 cases of the virus.



And the World Health Organization has cautioned that there may be a second wave of the epidemic.



But Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse, the Director of Emergency, Disaster and Special Services has sought to assure that the ministry is in a position to respond to the expected increase in cases of the H1N1 virus during the flu season.



Dr. Bullock-DuCasse says the health ministry has adequate supplies of the medication used to treat the H1N1 virus and it also has access to more supplies from the Pan American Health Organization.



In the meantime the ministry is imploring persons in the high risk group especially pregnant women to seek medical attention as soon as they experience flu like symptoms.



Other persons in the high risk group include those with chronic illnesses such as obesity, asthma, diabetes and hypertension and children under five years old.



In the meantime, the health ministry says it has begun preparatory work with the Education Ministry to address the likely spread of the H1N1 virus ahead of the start of the new school year next Monday.



Dr. Bullock-Ducasse says the ministry will be reinforcing measures specially designed for schools.