FSM Prepares Response to Swine Influenza

Press Release #0409-46
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
April 22, 2009

The Department of Health and Social Affairs (HS&A) convened a technical meeting on Monday, April 27, 2009 to share updates on Swine Influenza and to position it for any future actions that may be forthcoming.  A staff of the Pohnpei State Port Authority was in attendance and Dr. Boris Pavlin, the WHO Medical Epidemiologist assigned to FSM, gave a general briefing and recommended some preliminary actions to be taken by the Department which included the following:

1. Intensify local and national surveillance systems

2. Fully implement enhanced surveillance at Pohnpei State Hospital and private clinics

3. Institute travel alerts at airports and

4. Notify the public about the issue and protective measures they can take

The Department of HS&A has also contacted the State Departments of Health Services to share with them information on Swine Influenza.  Public announcement have gone out through the FSMPIO press releases and will be given to radio stations and TV stations.  The Department briefed President Mori and his Cabinet members this morning with all the up-to-date information and President Mori will await further news before taking any national action.  The State Departments of Health in conjunction with the Immigration and Customs Officers at the airports will begin screening arrivals to see if anyone is coming into FSM from any of the affected areas; mainly Mexico, several states in the U.S., Canada and now Spain and New Zealand.  There are no suspected cases of Swine Influenza in FSM.

The Department of HS&A has received confirmation from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention that 100% of its allocation of the Strategic National Stockpile will be sent to Pohnpei right away.  This aid is primarily in the form of doses of Tamiflu, an antiviral drug that has been found to be responsive to fighting the Swine Influenza.

Because this is a continuously developing event, FSMPIO and the Health Departments in the States and at the National level are committed to providing updates to the public as soon as there is additional information to release.

Please refer to the “Health Alert” that was sent out as Press Release #0409-42 on Tuesday, April 28th for specific information on Swine Influenza and how to protect yourself and others from getting it.  And remember:

If you get sick, especially if you develop a flu-like illness, avoid or limit contact with others and REPORT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE. Be sure to tell them right away that you might have the flu.  
Pohnpei State Hospital 320-2215
Pohnpei State Public Health 320-2217
Yap State Hospital 350-2115
Chuuk State Hospital 330-2216
Kosrae State Hospital 370-3200
FSM Department of Health Services (in Palikir) 320-2619