Doctors Updated on Influenza A Status

Personnel from the Central Health Region and Ministry of Health held an Influenza A (H1N1) meeting at the Lions Den this afteroon, May 5, with the medical community of San Pedro to inform them of the most current situation. Infection control measures, surveillance, case management, among other topics were discussed at the meeting. Below is the latest press release from the Ministry of Health of Belize.



-Belmopan, May 5, 2009-

Activities

* The Corozal Freezone will be re-opened as of May 6, 2009 from 7am - 6pm with heightened surveillance.

* Casinos in the Corozal Freezone will remain closed until May 11, 2009. Bars and discothèques within the Casinos will be closed until May 11, 2009.

* Mass gatherings are being discouraged countrywide.

Public Awareness

A Press Conference was called by Ministry of Health on May 4, 2009 with the main objective of informing the public of the negative results reported by CAREC of the first 16 samples sent there for testing for Influenza A (H1N1) virus and to advise to maintain level of vigilance.

At 5:00 pm another meeting was called by Director of Health Services with the objective of sharing with key stakeholders the latest information of confirmed positive cases in neighbouring Quintana Roo Mexican State. Three (3) cases have been confirmed positive in the following localities: Carrillo Puerto (1), Calderitas (1) and Cancun (1); there are 39 suspected and 11 cases hospitalized in Quintana Roo. Present in the meeting were CEO Ministry of Education, representatives from NEMO, Customs, Immigraton, Regional Managers, and associates from Ministry of Health and KHMH.

It was agreed that all stakeholders will continue to watch the pattern of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus transmission in Mexico and the Mexican response to be in a better position for making informed decisions.

Intersectoral Coordination

Customs Department was requested to liaise with Chief Pharmacist regarding the importation of Tamiflu and other drugs used for flu management. On the topic of Immigration, the issue of Pre-boarding and Arrival Screening was tabled for continued support by Immigration Officers .

Surveillance

14 new samples were sent to CAREC on May 4, 2009 from the Belize, Orange Walk and Cayo Districts.

Surveillance activities for Influenza-like Illness continues throughout the country. There are no cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in CAREC member countries.