GUAM’S Department of Public Health and Social Services said the island has already 16 confirmed cases of H1N1 and saw its first fatality related to the swine flu virus while Northern Marianas acknowledged having two H1N1 victims and warned the public to take greater precaution.
A 26-year-old female with a pre-existing medical condition died of complications yesterday in Guam due to the H1N1 flu virus.
In Saipan, Dr. Richard Brostrom, director of the Commonwealth Health Center, said a Japanese tourist and a 16-year-old local boy were the first confirmed cases of H1N1 in the CNMI.
The Japanese victim had since returned to Japan after being confined for seven days.
He showed signs of being infected with H1N1 virus during his visit to Saipan.
The teenage boy, on the other hand, is already out of danger. No other details were provided about the victims.
Guam Governor Felix Camacho and his administration offered condolences to the island’s first H1N1 fatality.
“The Lt. Governor and I offer our condolences to the friends and family of this young woman,” he sad in a statement released by DPHSS. “I ask for the public’s sensitivity in honoring the privacy of the family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. I want to further reassure our community that we will continue to work closely with DPHSS, and our local and federal partners to monitor Guam’s confirmed cases and to take the necessary steps to protect our people.”
As of yesterday afternoon, Guam health officials have reported six additional cases, bringing the island’s total H1N1 confirmed cases to 16 with one death.
Of the newly reported cases, one individual did have recent travel history while the other five had no travel history or contact with any of the previously confirmed cases.
CNMI is ready
Brostrom said the CNMI’s H1N1 cases were confirmed after confirmatory results were provided Sunday afternoon by the Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
“This is our day. We have been preparing for this for quite sometime. We have been working with the community to minimize the spread of this (H1N1) and any kind of flu in the CNMI,” Brostrom said in a press conference.
At least 60 to 80 samples, with 20 pieces per batch, have been sent to Brooks Air Force Base, since January this year. When the results came this month, two positive cases were confirmed.
Brostrom said some undetected H1N1 cases are quite likely in the CNMI as many cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) are reported from various clinics throughout the islands.
He assured though that the Department of Public Health is prepared to face H1N1 threats.
“At this point, there seems to be sporadic cases throughout the CNMI but there is no need to take any of the drastic measures, like social distancing that have been considered by other jurisdictions. Not yet. And hopefully we won’t come to that situation. Keep sick kids and adults at home,” the doctor said.
Gov. Benigno Fitial who was informed of the situation expressed confidence the Department of Public Health can handle it
Warren F. Villagomez of the DPH Office of the Secretary and Rita Chong-dela Cruz of the CNMI Office of Homeland Security assured there is collaboration between the community and the government.
Villagomez said there are sufficient funds and supplies to address H1N1 concerns.
Chong-dela Cruz on the other hand explained the Homeland Security as well as other government offices is ready to augment the needs of the CNMI in responding to H1N1 cases.
With the number of confirmed cases steadily increasing, health officials said the public should be more wary of getting the virus.
Here are some precautionary measures recommended to protect yourself from the virus:
• Those who are experiencing prolonged flu-like symptoms for more than seven days should seek medical attention.
• Those with pre-existing medical conditions experiencing flu-like symptoms, contact their doctor.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
For more information, please visit the following website www.flu.gov; the Department of Public Health and Social Services website at www.dphss.guam.gov; or Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense website. You may also call the Information Line at 735-H1N1 (4161).
