No Swine Flu epidemic in Jamaica – Dr De La Haye

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Winston De La Haye is seeking to allay the fears of Jamaicans that there is an epidemic of the H1N1 virus otherwise known as Swine Flu.

Speaking on independent Talk on Power 106 FM this morning Dr De La Haye said the health ministry is on high alert in relation to the virus.

He also points out that the World Health Organisation has noted that Jamaica and Suriname are experiencing a moderate increase in reporting.

De La Haye says this does not mean an increase in infections.

Meanwhile, De La Haye says there is a delay in the reporting of cases as the ministry has to wait for lab tests before making any announcements.

He says in some cases people might die before the tests are returned.

Since January, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 28 cases of H1N1, four of those persons have died.