June 17, 2009 – The Department of Health (DOH) has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the territory's first confirmed case of the H1N1 Novel Influenza virus, according to a press release from Health Commissioner Designee Julia Sheen.
Sheen said she made the decision to activate the EOC in order to allow individuals in the community to report any cases of influenza-like illness (ILI). Calls can be received between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. ILI cases can be reported during the weekend to DOH epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull at 626-1654 or Medical Director Dr. Audria Thomas at 513-1872.
Symptoms include:
· Fever of 101 or more
· Coughing
· Runny nose
· Headache
· Extreme fatigue
· Sore throat
· Muscle aches
· Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults).
Sheen said that since the initial positive confirmation on Tuesday of the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu, the department has been made aware of a group of V.I. students and their adult chaperone who have exhibited ILI symptoms after travel out of the territory.
Sheen said thus far that of the 35 individuals who traveled, six were symptomatic upon return. All six have been screened, and all tested negative for the H1N1 virus. DOH enforcement officers are currently tracing the remaining members of the group as part of continued mapping and surveillance efforts.
Since April, the department has been in communication with the territory's hospitals and private providers to ensure that all have test kits for the diagnosis of Influenza A. In addition, DOH has a sufficient supply of antivirals for treatment of those exhibiting ILI symptoms.
"Swine flu symptoms mirror that of seasonal flu, and so we want to err on the side of caution by testing anyone who has those symptoms and high fever," Sheen said.
She recommends that patients with these symptoms see a physician.
Influenza viruses spread in tiny droplets by coughing and sneezing and spread from person to person; thus, the Health Department urges residents to practice measures such as frequent hand washing or hand sanitizing; coughing or sneezing into sleeves and not into the hands to limit the spread of any influenza virus. Whenever possible, disposable tissues should be used in place of handkerchiefs, and hands should be cleaned after the tissue is thrown away.
As part of the EOC activation, callers will be able to contact DOH by calling 773-1311, ext. 6205 or 3262 to report possible cases as well as to receive updated information, as necessary. Information can also be faxed to 712-6206 or e-mail eugene.tull@usvi-doh.org
