So far, 6 H1N1 cases in the CNMI have been confirmed through laboratory results.
“We are urging the people’s cooperation and understanding,” said acting Public Health Secretary Pete Untalan during Friday’s press briefing.
He said the department has been noting a spike in influenza-like cases on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
At CHC, 15 influenza-cases were handled, said Untalan.
80 cases on Rota and between 10 and 12 cases on Tinian were being monitored, he added.
“Case loads are now heavy,” said Untalan.
The department considers influenza-type cases as potential H1N1 cases.
Public Health officials are urging the people to practice personal hygiene, like covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing.
In the event one lacks handkerchief, the people are also advised to sneeze or cough on their sleeves or use their clothes as cover, and not their bare hands.
Untalan said in the next weeks, new rules for hospitals will be released as part of the H1N1 pandemic operations plan.
Untalan said they are considering limiting visitors’ exposure in hospitals, except for those who are seeking medical attention.
Pregnant women, he added, should be particularly guarded against the H1N1 virus.
Untalan said relatives/visitors will only have two time slots to visit patients, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
During those allowable visiting hours, a patient will only be authorized to see one visitor.
Untalan said visitors under 18 years of age will not be allowed access to hospital premises.
The department is also considering an alternative care site to easily isolate a mass number of potential H1N1 cases.
“We wish to educate the public and not to scare them,” said Public Health epidemiologist Edward Diaz.
Public vigilance is encouraged as “H1N1 is already in our community, he added.
Untalan and Diaz were joined by Public Health bioterrorism planner Warren F. Villagomez and CHC facility administrator John T. Flores when they met the media on Friday.
Children and adults who are sick are advised to stay at home or adopt self-quarantine, and consult their healthcare providers, Public Health officials said.
But closing schools is not on the agenda, they added.
School children are advised to call their schools if they are sick and stay at home, while students who are sick but went to school will be sent home, Untalan said.
School employees and staff must also be guarded against the H1N1 virus, Public Health officials said.
Untalan said they will be meeting with Public School System officials on Thursday to further assess the current situation on H1N1 cases.
