Tuesday, July 7, 2009

5 confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 in Belize

Press Release - Government Press Office - Ministry of Health - July 7th, 2009 - The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of five (5) confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 in the country of Belize.

These results were received today through our reference laboratory CAREC.
All the five positive cases came from the Corozal district and linked to the Casinos in the Corozal Free Zone. These individuals have been treated and are recovering at home.

This highlights the increased surveillance which the Ministry had put in place at the initial response to Influence A H1N1.

The Ministry is awaiting the results of fifteen other suspected cases majority of which presented mild flu-like symptoms.

The Ministry continues its heighten surveillance and awareness campaign to contain this situation.

The Ministry of Health encourages the public to continue washing hands with soap and water, covering your coughs, seek medical attention if you present any flu-like symptoms and stay at home until your symptoms are resolved.

The Ministry would also like to inform the public that there is no need at this time to limit any mass gatherings.

KIA Field trip to Bacalar Chico

Valentine Rosado, CORAL’s field representative in Belize, continues on his efforts to bring together stakeholder groups from across the country to collaborate on local conservation initiatives that support standards implementation, reduce reef threats, and create meaningful opportunities for local communities to save their coral reefs by supporting marine protected areas.

One huge effort is education and through this the Kids in Action (KIA) program was implemented. Through the program, students have the opportunity to visit marine reserves and parks to find out the importance of the region and how to help in the conservation efforts.
This part Saturday, KIA was back in action and this time a trip to Bacalar Chico was in order.

At Chac Balam, students were taught about the importance of mangroves, the various mangrove species found within Belize, and just how the work they way they do.

At Rocky Point, students found the massive rock formations very interesting. They took time to explore and wade in the shallow waters.

Traveling through the lagoons, Rosado explained the importance of these valuable water systems.
Maya pottery was also seen and Rosado described the Mayas route between Mexico and Belize at the time trade was at its peak.
The KIA trip was made possible through the kind assistance of Ramon’s Village and captain Heriberto Palma. For further information on KIA contact Valentine Rosado at 602-2100.