The Ministry Of Health and Environment has reported all tests confirm that the prevalent strain of influenza affecting Dominicans is the H3N2 virus.
In a press release earlier this week, the ministry confirmed an outbreak of acute respiratory infections in Dominica. To this date, the ministry can confirm there are three different types of viruses circulating in Dominica; namely the Para Influenza type 2 viruses, the Rhino virus and the Respiratory Syncytial virus.
National Epidemiologist, Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed, confirmed that the outbreak is affecting all seven health districts and has become more pervasive in the Roseau health districts. He says ongoing investigations have shown that patients suffering with the flu during this outbreak are infected with H3N2.
“In the beginning we have seen clinical presentation more like the par influenza type 2 and later in the outbreak we are seeing influenza flu….this is more similar to influenza type a (H3N2).”
Dr Ahmed encourages members of the general public to get vaccinated as he says the Ministry of Health has invested heavily in costly flu vaccines.
The Ministry has ensured that flu vaccines are available at all health facilities for people most at risk for developing complications from the viral infection.
He says further vaccination is imperative as there are normally two major flu seasons in Dominica, this being the first and the other normally expected around the month of February.
“There is a flu vaccine available and every health facility has this vaccine. This is especially for those under five years and above 65 years. Those vaccines were not cheap but I can tell you the Ministry of Health paid a lot of money to get the vaccines. In the past we requested for [persons] to come and get their vaccines and most people did not come. Because of this we essentially had to dump the vaccines because they were expired.”
Children under five years and persons suffering from diabetes, heart problems, asthma, HIV/AIDS, and cancer or taking steroid medications are at a risk of developing complications from the flu and should contact their health care provider as soon as possible if they become ill with the flu.
Dr. Ahmed warned on the dangers of home remedies for babies suffering with the influenza without doctor consultation.
In order to control the spread of this flu, the general public is asked to take necessary measures to protect themselves and others.