ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 27th APRIL 2009 _ two top Health officials in Grenada on Monday confirmed that the country is ready to deal with any potential outbreak of the Swine H1N1 influenza virus.
 Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Emma Herry-Thompson and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Alistair Antoine, told a press briefing on Monday, there is no need to panic.
 Dr. Thompson said that health officials in Grenada are aware of the outbreak in other parts of the world, which has led to death of more than 20 persons in the United States alone. She said the ministry is cognizant of the apprehension and anxiety generated from the news, but the CMO gave the assurance that there are no cases of the disease reported in the region.
 She said the influenza is similar to the seasonal influenzas which include symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing.
 “So far we have put systems in place at our ports of entry and we are disseminating as much information as possible through our health network. The virus is very sensitive towards the Tamiflu antiviral medicines, as well as Relenza antiviral medicines,” she said, adding that the ministry has stocked up on the relevant medication.
 The CMO also reminded the public of the importance of practicing regular hygiene, such as proper washing of hands and the need to cover one’s nose and mouths when coughing. She added that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) are providing daily updates to the Ministry which will assist in the decision making process.
 He reiterated that the Ministry, which has in its possession the necessary protective gears for the protection of health workers who may be at the front line to deal with the virus, is strengthening its surveillance, with PAHO and CAREC providing assistance with confirmation of tests.
 The CMO said the Mexican Embassy is in contact with Grenadian students studying there and has provided the necessary information to them to ensure they are properly cared for in the event of an infection.
 However Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Alistair Antoine reiterated that the Ministry is receiving tremendous support from PAHO and CAREC with regards to the confirmation of testing.
 “We are in the process of strengthening all aspects of our surveillance so that anyone with suggestive symptoms can have the necessary testing carried out”.
 He said the Ministry has in its possession the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the protection of health workers who may be at the front line to deal with the virus in the event it reaches our shores.
 An inter-sectoral technical meeting with stakeholders will be convened this afternoon to look at the country’s influenza preparedness and to clarify the roles and responsibilities of individuals in keep with the influenza response plan..