No Positive Swine Flu cases in the Bahamas

Story Update: May 01, 2009.  On Friday May 01, 2009,  Health Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis confirmed that there have been no positive tests  for swine flu in the Bahamas.

Earlier Report : April 30, 2009: At least 12 in quarantine in the Bahamas; Resident exhibiting Swine Flu-like symptoms.

The Ministry of Health of The Bahamas is urging Bahamians to monitor the Swine Flu situation closely in national and international communications. The Advice followed revelation by Health Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis to Parliament on Wednesday that a resident of New Providence who recently returned from Mexico was exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

The individual, according to Dr. Minnis is receiving he recommended surveillance treatment at a private sector clinic. The Minister also revealed that ten students and two teachers from Abaco who arrived from Mexico on April 26, were under voluntary quarantine and under watch from surveillance teams. In addition he said that on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health was informed of the departure to Mexico of a sports team who left New Providence on Monday April 27th.

According to the Minister, voluntary quarantine (isolation) and surveillance by public health officials on the group was planned upon their return on Wednesday 29th April, and will remain in force until the incubation period has passed. On Thursday, the World Health Organisation raised the swine flu alert level to five signaling that a pandemic is imminent.

"MR. SPEAKER, THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH HAS MOBILIZED THE HEALTH SECTOR AND RELATED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND IS PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THE THREAT. OUR PARTNERS IN THE AMERICAS STAND READY TO ASSIST.

"FINALLY MR. SPEAKER, I WISH TO REASSURE HOUSE MEMBERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS AND THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH IS TAKING EVERY STEP NECESSARY TO CONTAIN THIS DISEASE AND TO AFFECT A SPEEDY RETURN TO NORMALCY", The Minister concluded.