Swine flue in the Caribbean In Tobago also

...Four confirmed cases -Anna Ramdass Friday, June 12th 2009

If you're thinking of hiding from the swine flu virus, the best place is probably Mayaro or Manzanilla beach. According to Dr Wilhelmus Hilwig, Head of the Adult Emergency Department at the Eric Williams Medical and Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope, the A H1N1 influenza hates natural elements such as ultra violet light and breeze. "If it is one thing that the virus does not like, is the outside winds, it doesn't like the sunlight ... the worst environment is Mayaro beach because it have plenty breeze," Hilwig said yesterday at a press conference at the Health Ministry in Port of Spain, after questions were with respect to the isolation of swine flu victims in their own homes. There have been four confirmed cases of swine flu in Trinidad and Tobago, but authorities have remained tight-lipped as to their location and area of isolation. "Everybody is so hot to find out where these people are living and which street and which home and whatever and, to be honest, I have to say why, because scientifically ... one metre is sufficient distance to be completely free of the possibility to catch it," Hilwig said. (See Page 11.) "In the USA and Canada, 95 to 98 per cent of all cases are treated at home. It's a fantastic place to be!" He said while he can understand that people have the right to be concerned and careful, it was not as though the virus came from Mars and health officials do not know about it and how to control it. "We know plenty about this virus," he assured, adding that full responsibly does not lie in the hands of the Health Ministry, which is putting systems in place, but also on every citizen. He said although measures are in effect, there is always the possibility that someone would pass through these checks and it was up to responsible persons to take note of their health. Health Ministry Jerry Narace congratulated the four persons who were infected with the swine flu virus in this country, saying they were responsible in coming forward and containing this virus. He stressed that once these persons have been cleared of the virus they pose no threat, and therefore should not be stigmatised. -Anna Ramdass Friday, June 12th 2009 source :http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161489920