Belize Emergency Information

Belmopan, Belize - October 1st, 2009 - INFLUENZA A(H1N1) Update

As cases of the Influenza A H1N1 virus continue to spread throughout the world, Belize has had 36 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 with most of the cases that are being seen, exhibiting mild to moderate forms of the illness and being treated in outpatient clinical settings.

The focus of Belizean health and tourism authorities is on:

preventing the spread of the virus with ongoing health education activities with the general populace
encouraging those who exhibit symptoms to get treatment and stay away from public areas for the duration of their illness

PREVENTION:

Please be reminded that these basics steps can protect your health:

wash your hands (with soap and water / hand sanitizers especially after you cough or sneeze),
cover your cough (with disposable tissues and disposing of tissues in waste bins / using sleeves when tissues are not available),
avoid touching your eyes and mouth,
stay home when you're sick and,
avoid contact with sick persons.

Stay at home for at least 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom- free for 24 hours.

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT:

The public is hereby reminded that in order to prevent the spread of influenza including the H1N1, people suffering with flu-like symptoms (The most common symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose)

Should remain at home for the duration of their illness.
Are reminded wash hands frequently and cover mouth when coughing and sneezing
Are advised to visit your nearest health care provider as indicated below

Influenza viruses can cause severe respiratory illness, therefore, the Ministry of Health informs the general public to visit the nearest health care provider immediately if any of the following symptoms are experienced:

difficulty breathing or chest pain
purple or blue discoloration of the lips
vomiting and inability to keep liquids down
signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
less responsive than normal or, signs of confusion

The Director of Health Services would also like to inform the general public that self-medicating is NOT recommended, especially for children under the age of 4 years. If over the counter medications are to be used, labels should be checked to ensure it does not contain aspirin.

Use of ASPIRIN is also NOT recommended.

Belize continues to submit specimens to the Caribbean Epidemiology Center in Port of Spain Trinidad for testing. This is being done in an effort to make surveillance for H1N1 a routine process so as to monitor the spread of the virus in Belize, with the aim to contribute to the global surveillance of H1N1. Surveillance efforts at this time focus on monitoring the virus for any signs of change. This is an ongoing and continuous process and is in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

VISITORS:

The BTB continues to welcome travelers to Belize and is fully prepared to address any questions and/or concerns about traveling to the country during this time.

Travelers are encouraged to call the BTB's toll-free number, 1-800-624-0686.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Tracy Panton, Director of Tourism, Belize Tourism Board (BTB)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Belize Ministry of Health: www.health.gov.bz
The World Health Organization: www.who.int
The Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC): www.carec.org

Maintain a level of concern, not panic. At this point there is no reason to discourage people from traveling to or within Belize. Individuals should be encouraged to take common sense steps to protect themselves including maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, proper nutrition, controlling stress and maintaining physical fitness.

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About Belize
As one of the last unspoiled places on earth, Belize offers travelers the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a Caribbean getaway. Just a two-hour flight from the U.S., this tropical paradise is nestled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. For generations, the English-speaking people of Belize have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the country's unique charms. Belize offers a land rich in natural beauty and steep in the history and culture of its Maya past. Renowned for having the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize's pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush unspoiled landscapes and superb diving truly make it Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret. For more information on how you can be one with Belize, visit www.travelbelize.org.

MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT:
Yanick Dalhouse: 414.351-9563 ydalhouse@bvk.com
Patty Tazalla: 414.247.2174 ptazalla@bvk.com