According to the World Health Organization, we are now in the period between waves of the H1N1 virus.
On Aug. 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.
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, has suspended its alternative care site operations until another surge in 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.
The Ministry of Health reminds the public to 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’s outpatient department is open from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., while the emergency room is open after hours and on weekends for ILI consultation and treatment.
For more information, contact the H1N1 Hotline at 680-488-0555.
