Swine Flue Updates

PRESS RELEASE - UPDATE for April 29, 2009 - Ministry of Health

Belmopan – Wednesday, April 29, 2009. -
*Borders - It has been reiterated that the closing of borders is not recommended as it is not recommended by International Health Regulations. Surveillance and screening of visitors at the northern and western border continues.

*Cruise Ships - Any sick person on board a vessel (including a cruise ship) will not be allowed to leave the ship and come on onshore.

*Intersectoral Coordination- A meeting with stakeholders took place on April 27, 2009 to discuss the multi-sectoral approach in responding to the potential introduction of Swine Flu. Participants included:

- Office of the Director of Health Services, Ministry of Health, National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), Ministry of Education, Regional Health Managers of the Ministry of Health, Immigration, Customs and Cuban Medical Brigade Coordination.

Hot Line
The Ministry of Health has established a Hot Line for the public from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. the number is 629-5604 and will be handled by Nurse Augustina Eligio, stationed at MOH HQ.


Number of Cases in Belize
Blood samples have been sent to CAREC Trinidad today from suspected cases from: San Pedro Ambergris Caye (1), Belize City (2) and Orange Walk (1). To date 7 countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases.
The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Pan American Health Organization and will keep the public updated as to the development of events in regards to the outbreak in Mexico and USA.