A 22-year-old male has been tested positive for A (H1N1) influenza, making him the third such case to be confirmed in Barbados since late last month. The virus was first identified in April of this year.
According to the Ministry of Health, "the affected person, like the two previous cases, does not have a travel history. He is currently under home isolation and is receiving health care".
A Ministry official warned the public that "the virus is contagious and can be spread by human to human contact. Its symptoms are similar to regular human influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue."
She again urged the public to practise good, basic hygiene to contain its spread. However, the health official pointed out that "if someone becomes ill with these flu-like symptoms, that person should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others, so as to avoid infecting them. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible."
The latest World Health Organisation update revealed that 73 countries had officially reported 25,288 cases of A (H1N1) influenza, including 139 deaths.