FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

as of September 16, 2009

Patrick Termeteet, MPH
Incident Commander, Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Center
PO Box 6027
Koror, Palau 96940
PH:  (680) 488-0675; FX:  (680) 488-1211

PANDEMIC (H1N1) 2009 UPDATES

More cases of H1N1 confirmed in Palau, first wave of H1N1 over
As the number of Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI) cases continue to dwindle down in Palau, the world is now experiencing the end of the first wave of the pandemic H1N1 virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), we are now in the period between waves of the H1N1 virus.

On August 28, an advisory was issued by WHO encouraging all countries in the northern hemisphere to prepare for a possible, more severe second wave of the pandemic H1N1. WHO gave specific advice that countries in the tropics should expect to see more cases during the second wave.

H1N1 cases in Palau have increased again with confirmation on additional cases, bringing the total number cases to 44 since June, 2009. Despite this increase of confirmed cases, no H1N1 related deaths have occurred.

Due to the decrease in the number of ILI encounters, the Ministry of Health as of Monday, September 14, has suspended its Alternative Care Site (ACS) operations until another surge ILI cases is seen. In preparation for the second wave of the H1N1 virus, monitoring and confirmatory testing of ILI cases in Palau will continue. 

Although we are seeing less numbers of ILI, the Ministry of Health reminds the public tot exercise preventive methods against the spread of the flu. Pregnant women and people who have underlying health conditions should take extra precaution to ensure their safety against the flu virus.

The Ministry of Health’s Outpatient Department (OPD) is open from Monday to Friday, 7:30am until 4:30pm, while the Emergency Room is open after hours and on weekends for ILI consultation and treatment.

For more information about the Influenza A(H1N1) or any flu related questions, contact the H1N1 Hotline on 488-0555.

Thank you.