PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Health authorities yesterday sought to re-assure the population after a woman is believed to have died from the H1N1 Influenza (swine flu).

The woman, Cherrie Ryce, 46, died at the San Fernando General Hospital on Saturday. In a statement, the Ministry of Health said influenza is an acute illness that can be caused by several different viruses, including H1N1, H3N2, and other respiratory viruses that circulate in all parts of the world.

“Safe and effective vaccines that can prevent influenza or reduce the severity of illness are available at local health centres. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious complications of influenza and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals,” the ministry said.

“In tropical countries, such as ours, influenza occurs throughout the year, unlike countries with colder climates when seasonal epidemics occur during the colder months,” the statement said, noting that in Trinidad and Tobago more than 6,000 suspected cases of influenza are reported yearly.

Symptoms of influenza, said the ministry, can include high fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, runny nose, and generally feeling unwell.

“Most people recover within a week without any medical attention. However, influenza can cause severe illness in some persons, including the elderly, infants, young children, and pregnant women, as well as those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart, lung, kidney disease, and diabetes.”

The ministry said it would continue to “monitor all diseases of public health importance” and urged the public to ensure that they follow proper sanitary guidelines so as to protect their health.

“Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms. If you have symptoms of the flu, seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop: Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, inability to eat or drink, persistent vomiting, or confusion.

Former Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan was quoted in the media as saying that he had been aware of the death of the woman, but withheld information because he did not want anyone to panic.

“Yes, I knew about it. I am in the medical fraternity so I must know. I heard about it and I decided to coach my release not to panic people.

“I tend to get a lot of information through my medical colleagues and I was able to indicate to the people to be careful of the H1N1. I did not want to say it was here in Trinidad to panic anyone, but I gave them tips on how to protect themselves in terms of certain factors,” he said.