The Department of Public Health announced yesterday two confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza on Saipan-a 16-year-old local boy and a recent visitor from Japan.
DPH said the boy is doing fine while the 26-year-old Japanese already flew back to Japan. DPH said the two have completely recovered from their illnesses.
Both patients were seen last week at two local clinics for flu-like symptoms. DPH said there was no identified epidemiologic link for these cases, saying that neither individuals required hospitalization and both are doing well at home.
DPH received confirmation last Sunday that the two patients had the H1N1 virus after laboratory testing in San Antonio, Texas.
Brostrom said the Japanese tourist had been on Saipan for seven days. He did not disclose the name of the hotel.
He said the tourist was tested after his arrival on Saipan and they could not determine if he got the virus from Japan or upon his arrival on Saipan.
DPH said the situation is under control and there is no need to take drastic measures like what other countries are doing because the department has been conducting several precautionary measures to prevent the virus' further spread.
Brostrom said there might be already existing H1N1 cases on the islands but those who had the virus might have treated the symptoms as an ordinary flu and did not bother to report it to the hospital or any clinic.
DPH said anyone who has influenza-like symptoms must see their doctor immediately.
Since January, DPH has already sent some 80 flu tests to Texas for further evaluation.
“Other cases are quite likely in the CNMI as many cases of influenza-like illnesses are reported from various clinics throughout the CNMI,” DPH said in an official public health update.
The CNMI's neighboring islands of Guam, Palau and Marshall Islands have also reported confirmed H1N1 cases in the past few weeks. Guam reported five cases as of yesterday.
Brostrom said the CNMI is still considered “fortunate” compared to other areas with large number of H1N1 cases.
He said DPH continues to emphasize flu prevention such as the Home Care Guidance, instructing patients to follow precautionary measures.
DPH briefed Gov. Benigno R. Fitial about the situation during a regular weekly meeting yesterday. DPH said Fitial expressed confidence in the government's approach to the new cases.
DPH Bio Terrorism planner Warren F. Villagomez said they have enough resources, including health workers and volunteers, to handle the situation.
Homeland Security planner Rita Chong-Dela Cruz said they are ready to provide additional funds for this if needed.
As of July 6, the World Health Organization reported 94,512 cases of H1N1 with 429 deaths around the world. These include 40,617 confirmed cases with 263 deaths in the U.S. and its territories as of July 17.
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