Deyalsingh on H1N1 virus: Don't listen to rumours

Minister of Health Terrance Deyalsingh contributes to the budget debate at Parliament on Monday. PHOTO BY SUREASH CHOLAI - SUREASH CHOLAI
Minister of Health Terrance Deyalsingh contributes to the budget debate at Parliament on Monday. PHOTO BY SUREASH CHOLAI - SUREASH CHOLAI

HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said on Sunday more than 100,000 doses of vaccines have been ordered for the flu season. The vaccines are expected to arrive on Monday and will be distributed in health centres within two to three days.

Deyalsingh is slamming Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for claiming that government is covering up an outbreak of H1N1 which, according to her, has resulted in several deaths. She made the claim during a walkabout in Sangre Grande on Saturday. Persad-Bissessar said government is not telling citizens what to do to protect themselves and their families.

In a statement on Sunday, Deyalsingh said the claims were unfounded.

“H1N1 is endemic to TT since 2009. Endemic means that it is part of our public health landscape like dengue and chikungunya and will not go away. So no one is hiding any fact that there is an outbreak of H1N1 every flu season which runs from October of any year to May the following year.”

Deyalsingh said the ministry started its public health campaign in October, and every health centre has posters with information about what precautions should be taken to deal with the influenza virus. He said the ministry also issued a press release on Friday last week.

“There is no cover up, there is no denial. Yes we do have cases of H1N1 every year, but it is now endemic to TT since 2009.”

He reminded citizens that the vaccine for any particular flu season is different from the preceding season.

“We have to wait on PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) and WHO (World Health Organisation) formulation for the flu vaccines for any particular season.”

He said it is to be noted that the government stepped-up its vaccine capability from 12,000 in 2010 and 2015 to, consistently over the past four years, more than 100,000 doses.

However, Deyalsingh said the population needs to take its own precautions such as washing hands, covering their mouths and nostrils while sneezing and not to be in contact with anyone who is suspected of having the H1N1.

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"Deyalsingh on H1N1 virus: Don’t listen to rumours"

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