Fiji Times reports a 32-year-old man, a close friend of Fiji’s first patient, is being quarantined at his Nadi home for the next seven days on the orders of the ministry.
Divisional Medical Officer Dr. Tharid Ali said there have been 67 samples tested at the influenza laboratory at Mataika House in Tamavua since the global outbreak of the virus but only two have been confirmed.
“He is a close contact with the first man, he is now quarantined with his family,” Ali said of the second victim.
“He was advised by our public health officials in Nadi not to leave his house for the next seven days and he is now taking the anti-viral Tamiflu.”
The outbreak of the H1N1 virus in Nadi has prompted the National Influenza Taskforce to mobilize a team there as more suspect cases were reported.
Ali said they had been tracing those who came into close contact with the two confirmed cases.
He has reiterated to the public to avoid getting in contact with those that are sick.
“And the people should know that it is important that they wash their hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing,” he said.
Ali urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they have symptoms of the H1N1 flu.
“Be sure to tell the doctor that you may have influenza A H1N1,” he said.
Last week, the ministry conducted the highest number of tests at Mataika House as more people reported flu like symptoms.
Ali said they had updated sessions for medical practitioners and allied health workers to inform the members of new developments and changes to the national plan.
