HINI on the decline in schools says medical experts

Friday, October 09, 2009 – Health experts are reporting that the effects and prevalence of the H1NI virus on the islands school system is declining with less students and teachers suffering with flu like illnesses.

However, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Josiah Rambally is urging parents, students and school officials not to let their guard down but continue taking the necessary precautionary measures against contracting the virus.

Dr. Rambally made the call during an official statement at the Government Information Service to update the citizenry on the H1N1 virus, which has so far affected fifty one people here in Saint Lucia.

“From September 21 to the 25, 691 students had flu like symptoms which also affected twelve teachers. From September 28 to October 2, 452 students had symptoms and seven teachers had symptoms. These are the statistics for some of our Infant and Primary schools in the Castries basin. However, when we look at the Secondary schools, an analysis of the situation at these institutions show that the number of cases also decreased.”

Meanwhile as International Health Institutions continue with their efforts of procuring and distributing the H1N1 vaccines, Dr Rambally says locally experts will continue to be proactive to reduce the spread and severity of the influenza.

Once available, pregnant women, health care workers, babies and young people aged six to twenty four, along with high risk adults, will be among the first groups of people to receive the H1N1 vaccines.

“The vaccine for the H1N1 virus is available in Saint Lucia. However citizens should continue to take the necessary precautions,” the CMO cautioned.

So far, thousands of people worldwide have died as a result the H1N1 virus but fortunately all the affected people here in Saint Lucia have recovered fully.

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