JAMAICA: H1N1 14 CONFIRMED CASES, STATUS REPORT

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000496 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT PASS EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE FOR INFO STATE FOR WHA/CAR (DHOFFMANN) (VDEPIRRO) (WSMITH) WHA/EPSC (MROONEY)(FCORNEILLE) STATE FOR OES HHS FOR OGHA CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COGH USDA FOR APHIS INR/RES (RWARNER) SANTO DOMINGO FOR FCS AND FAS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC TBIO SOCI PREL PINR KFLU XL JM SUBJECT: JAMAICA: H1N1 14 CONFIRMED CASES, STATUS REPORT REF: KINSTON 445 Two Cases of Internal Transmission -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has confirmed fourteen cases of influenza A (H1N1) on the island. The first two cases were from two people who arrived from New York on May 19 (reftel). In the first week of June, five cases were detected, all related to people who traveled from the United States. Last week, the Ministry of Health's (MOH) confirmed several more cases, bringing the total number of detected and treated H1N1 cases to fourteen. EconOff spoke with Dr. Sandra Knight of the MOH on June 22; she said that at least two of the cases were internal transitions spread from contact on the island, as the individuals had not traveled recently. No Deaths, Continued Monitoring -------------- ¶2. (SBU) There have been no deaths associated with H1N1 in Jamaica. Testing of suspected cases is being done at the University of the West Indies. The MOH have been testing 362 samples, 129 from suspected cases of H1N1, and continue to watch for any further spread of the virus. The virus has now been detected in the parishes of St. Mary, St. James, Trelawny and St. Catherine. Existing Supplies -------------- ¶3. (SBU) In light of the H1N1 cases, the MOH has procured more protective gear for its workers. Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, Director of Emergency Disaster Management at the MOH, indicated to the press that the MOH is continuing to ensure that stocks are not depleted as healthcare workers continue to investigate persons with flu-like symptoms. Dr. Knight said the Government of Mexico had provided the MOH with 3,500 treatments of Tamiflu and an additional 3,500 treatments had been provided by Pan American health Organization. Supplies Needed and Comment -------------- ¶4. Dr. Knight said that the MOH currently needs additional supplies of N95 masks and swabs for testing suspected cases. In the event that there is a larger outbreak they would need these two items as well as a supply of disposable gowns. COMMENT: The Jamaican economy continues suffer under global economic downturn and is heavily reliant on tourism revenues from the tourism. The GOJ will likely remain cautious about negative press related to flu outbreaks on the island, fearing it could hurt tourism. END COMMENT. MOSS