The Ministry of Health has urged Jamaicans to be vigilant in the wake of a global outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, even though no cases have yet been reported here.

Persons are being urged to ensure that they observe the precautionary measures to protect themselves and others.

These include frequent hand-washing with soap and water, covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, avoiding contact with persons with flu-like symptoms, and avoiding intimate contact, including hand shaking and kissing.

Persons with flu-like symptoms should contact their health-care provider, the nearest health centre, hospital or the Ministry of Health immediately.

Cases worldwide

As at 6 GMT on Monday, the World Health Organisation stated that 30 countries had reported laboratory-confirmed cases of the influenza A (H1N1), with four countries reporting deaths associated with the virus. Mexico reported 1,626 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 48 deaths. The United States reported 2,532 laboratory-confirmed human cases, including three deaths.

There have been 284 cases in Canada, including one death. Costa Rica has reported eight lab-confirmed human cases, including one death.

The remaining countries reported laboratory-confirmed cases with no deaths. They are: Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (8), China (2), Colombia (3), Denmark (1), El Salvador (4), France (13), Germany (11), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Norway (2), Panama (15), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (95), Sweden (2), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (47).

Heightened surveillance

The health ministry is continuing its heightened surveillance and monitoring at the nation's ports to prevent any possible spread of the virus in the island.

For information about the influenza A (H1N1) virus, members of the public can call the Ministry of Health's toll-free line at 1-888-663-5683.

Influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory illness that is transmitted by human-to-human contact. The symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and body aches and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be experienced.