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Today, Dr. Ethan Gough, who is the Head of Epidemiology Unit said that so far the spread is under control. He also told us who need to be on alert:

Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist
"The people who really need to be concerned are people who have any underlying co-morbidities. So, if you have diabetes, that's not controlled, or if you have some cardiovascular illness, if you're immuno- compromised because you have an HIV infection or because you're taking other medications that suppress the immune system, the very old who are already having a weaker immune system because of their age, likewise the very young, so less than 5 years old, less than three years old, pregnant women, those are the categories of people that are at higher risk for complications. So if you're presenting with fever and cough, but also body aches is another common symptom of flu infection, an influenza infection. And if you have any of those symptoms and fit into any of those categories, then you potentially could be at risk and you definitely need to seek medical attention."

"Beyond that we just ask people to wash their hands regularly, that's always a key practice in preventing yourself form getting infected with anything."

Reporter
"Is there any special medication that persons should take?"

Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist
"So, for the people that are at high risk for complications, for them, the treatment would be Tamiflu - but you have to seek medical attention for that and it's not something you can buy over the counter."

Reporter
"And is there Tamiflu available in the country?"

Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist
"Ahm, there is some, yes, there is some still available at the moment."

He said the Ministry is looking into increasing its Tamiflu supply.

That's what they've been using in Mexico which has been dealing with H1N1 for months. Media reports say as many as 6 persons have died in the state of Quinta Roo as a result of H1N1. Gough says they have no official confirmation - but they have also seen those numbers:..

Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist
"We have seen media reports on an increase in influenza in Quintana Roo link to H1N1 and some deaths."

Reporter
"Should persons think twice especially those in the vulnerable groups think twice about making a trip to Chetumal during this time or is it just that it's out there, we have to live with it. It's in Belize, in Mexico and..."

Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist
"That's more of a personal decision I think. But if you were in one of those high risk categories then definitely you want to do anything to avoid infection. That would be a personal decision. We are not issuing any travel advisories at this point to people to say don't go over the border or anything like that."

Reporter
"It will now become endemic in Belize and that we just have to live with it going forward."

Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist
"Potentially if some reason in our part of the world Central America, Mexico it seems that H1N1 is starting up now. As of a few months ago Honduras had a flu season due to H1N1 then it spread up to Mexico and its spreading over to us."

Now, if you were around in 2009 when H1N1 was known as the dreaded Swine Flu, there was a national panic about it coming to Belize. People were wearing masks, a major international reggae concert was cancelled, and public reaction veered between hypochondria and hysteria.

But, that was all a bit much. The truth is H1N1 landed in Belize at that time - at least three dozen cases were confirmed, and thankfully, no one died; it was just another flu.

We asked Gough about all those preventive measures taken that time - and what should be done now:..

Reporter
"We dont have to do all that this time?"

Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist
"No, the last time that response in hindsight was overblown. At the time we were acting on the precautionary principle, the idea that things could definitely have been a lot worse and so we were making decisions based on that. It turned out that things were not as bad as expected. None of that is required at this time. No mask and all of that stuff, but definitely the people who want to protect themselves from infection, they might want to invest is some hand sanitizers in the workplace or at home, so they can quickly hand sanitized when necessary if they can't get to the bathroom to do the hand washing with soap and water."

We'll have regular updates on H1N1 in Belize - but, again, for most folks, no special measures need be taken, other than the regular handwashing you would do to avoid a regular flu.