‘Stay away from the sick’
17-Jul-2009

THE Ministry of Health is stressing the need for people to stay away and do not mingle with those who are sick with flu-like symptoms as the total number of people confirmed with the Pandemic H1N1 2009 continues to rise.

Another 8 cases were confirmed as positive for the new flu virus, following tests on a batch of 24 samples received at the Mataika House Laboratory on Tuesday.

This brings the total to 81 cases. The eight are all male, with seven of them confirmed in the Suva sub-division while one was recorded in Nadi. That now sees Suva with the highest confirmed numbers so far at 46, Nadi at 22 and Lautoka with 13 confirmed cases.

Media Liaison Officer Iliesa Tora said there was a need for people to practice social distancing at this time and be serious about the advice of not mingling with those already sick with flu-like symptoms.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of contacts who are getting sick,” Tora said.

“That shows that some people are not serious about the advice about not getting involved or into contact with those who have flu-like symptoms.

“This must change, otherwise we will be seeing a rapid rise, more than what we have seen in the past two weeks.”

The Health Ministry also confirmed that despite the rise in numbers there was no real need for alarm within the communities.

“Our public health teams at the various centres have worked hard with the cases confirmed and their immediate contacts to ensure that the spread is minimised,” Mr Tora said. As the cases continue to go up the Ministry of Health has also stepped up its awareness campaigns.

This has involved roping in partners like the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, AusAID and the NZODA.

This has resulted in a lot of awareness materials being printed and distributed plus funding for advertising in the mass media.

At the same time two mobile companies Digicel and Vodafone have joined the campaign with text messages on H1N1 and precautionary measures. Local telecommunication provider Telecom

Fiji has also come on board with a new information hotline on H1N1 planned to be launched by the end of the week.

“These are steps that have been taken so that we can flood the market with information which we hope would help members of the public make sensible choices and decision about their health and life,” Mr Tora said.

He stressed again the importance of people following the basic advice given out on:

1. Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing.

2. Using a handkerchief to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

3. Staying away from people who are sick with flu-like symptoms.

4. Seeking medical assistance and advice quickly of you are sick with flu-like symptoms.

5. Staying home if you are sick.

The National Task Force on the Pandemic H1N1 2009 will meet in Suva to review the situation.

Meanwhile, the ministry would like to advise members of the public that any closure of schools or cancellation of public events will only be done after careful consideration of the situation.

“Basically, it is going to come from whether there is enough evidence of community spread. Otherwise if we see that cases are happening in isolation and are being contained then there will be no need for such action to be taken,” Mr Tora said.

“The situation is being monitored closely. There have been some concerns shown in regards to the Pacific Youth Festival and the Bula Festival happening plus schools likely to be closed.

“We do not want to create false alarm but at the same time caution members of the public to heed our advise that have been sent out.”