H1N1 infections spread to twenty-two

The Ministry of Health is not calling it an outbreak just yet, but there are seven new confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 in Belize. This brings the total number of infected persons to twenty-two. At least three of the latest cases are from Cayo, while the others are in the northern districts. The first fifteen positive results came from a cluster of suspected cases sent from the Corozal Free Zone. So far none of the infected persons have been hospitalized since the flu is no longer considered as deadly as when it first came onto the scene. According to information from the Central Health Region, a trend has been noted in the most recent positive results; that is that there are persons who recently travelled to neighboring Chetumal and others who study in Mexico.

Also of note is that Thursday was Dr. Paul Edwards’ last day as the epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health. It has not yet been determined who will be taking his place but we can say that Edwards is heading to the Caribbean to take up a new job offer.