CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – St. Lucia Friday confirmed its first death linked to the influenza A (HINI) virus.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joshia Rambally told a news conference that the un-named 45 year-old male patient had been suffering from the virus, commonly referred to as Swine Flu, for a number of days and had recently been admitted to hospital.
“Individuals with persistent flu symptoms should seek medical care immediately, at the nearest health centre or other health facility,” Dr. Rambally said, warning that individuals with pre existing medical conditions such as diabetes and lung disease were at a very high risk for developing severe complications if they contract the virus.
Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Barbados and Jamaica are among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that have reported deaths linked to the virus.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health here has advised persons to remain on alert as the island deals with the second wave of the virus.
“This means that after an apparent lull in cases, we are expecting to see a second sharp increase or spike in the number of persons coming down with flu like symptoms, within the next two to six months,” said Dr. Marlene Frederick.
St. Lucia is among CARICOM countries that will benefit from the distribution of a vaccine to deal with the virus later this month.
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