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Suspected case of deadly virus on cruise ship raises alarm in Barbados
CMC
Friday, May 15, 2009
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) - A suspected case of the deadly influenza H1N1 virus onboard a cruise ship docked at the Bridgetown Port caused health officials here to spring into action Wednesday.
Teams of medical personnel were seen at the country's main seaport in response to the potential threat posed to the country, which has yet to have a positive case of the virus, more commonly referred to as swine flu.
Health Minister Donville Inniss said the alarm was raised when the captain of the vessel reported that a crew member had been displaying symptoms associated with the virus.
"A single crew member of the Carnival Victory. has been placed under strict quarantine onboard the vessel, after exhibiting symptoms of influenza," he told reporters.
"The Ministry of Health has already sent a sample to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Trinidad and Tobago for further testing to determine if it is the H1N1 virus," Inniss added, noting that "four teams of medical personnel were on hand to thoroughly screen all disembarking passengers for symptoms of influenza".
International Transport Minister George Hutson said a sense of normalcy had been restored at the facility and that similar measures were being implemented at the Grantley Adams International Airport, where many passengers who disembarked the vessel were due to make connecting flights.
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