WHO warns on another H1N1 epidemic outbreak

One person has died in an influenza outbreak on Rotuma last month and the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that a second wave of the H1N1 Epidemic is likely to occur within the next three months based on current regional trends.

WHO Communicable Disease expert Dr Jacob Kool confirmed that 186 influenza cases were recorded on Rotuma from March 4th to March 10th.

He said of these cases, six were confirmed H1N1 with a high prevalence in 11 to 12-year-olds.

He added only one death was recorded and the patient was a 30-year-old man with no history of risks such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity.

Permanent Secretary Dr Sala Saketa asked why the patient died and whether he was treated with the recommended drug, Tamiflu.

She was told that the release of Tamiflu to patients took time and the patient could not be evacuated until two weeks after the onset of the illness.

Health Ministry spokesperson Peni Namotu told Fijivillage that they are looking at ways to improve the health system to see that people are treated well before things get serious.

He said timely intervention is what is being looked at and to also have a surveillance system in place.


Story by: Roneel/Selina Navuso