Grenada on swine flu alert as neighbouring Trinidad records cases and deaths

Grenada’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. George Mitchell, says the country’s disease surveillance system is on alert in light of confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus – also known as swine flu – in Trinidad and Tobago. There were 29 confirmed cases of swine flu and three deaths in the twin-island republic up to December 15. There was also another suspected death over the weekend, according to Trinidad and Tobago media reports, but that has not been confirmed by health authorities.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed the cases of the H1N1 virus/swine flu in T&T last week. Speaking at a media conference at the Ministry of Health in Port of Spain, he said out of the three deaths, two of the patients had pre-existing medical conditions which made them vulnerable to the virus. Minister Deyalsingh also refuted a newspaper report suggesting there is currently a patient with the H1N1 virus/swine flu at the Sangre Grande hospital. The Health Minister is also urging citizens to get vaccinated against the virus to prevent the spread. Currently there are 7,500 available in the public health system (3,500 adult vaccines and 4,000 paediatric vaccines). The Ministry of Health has, however, placed an order with the Pan American Health Orgainization for 20,000 more vaccines. – Caribbean360