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The Ministry of Health is expected to do more to alert Jamaicans to the risks badociated with the deadly H1N1 influenza virus.
The call comes after the ministry confirmed Friday that six people had tested positive for the virus and that three of them had succumbed to the disease.
According to reports, Karlene 'Kerry' Magnus, wife of veteran broadcaster RJR 95 FM, Alan Magnus, is among the victims.
The broadcaster sounded the alarm after seeing the cause of his wife's death on his death certificate and the lack of information in the public area.
Opposition health critic Dr. Dayton Campbell has since called on the Ministry of Health to do more to inform and advise the public on how to protect themselves from the deadly flu virus.
The Ministry of Health confirmed Friday the death of the virus.
Dr. Nicole Dawkins, Director of Disaster Management and Emergency Services at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that six people were infected with the virus, three of whom had died.
She said the deaths were recorded in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine and St Ann. Dawkins also confirmed that 110 cases of acute influenza respiratory infection had been recorded in health facilities across the country during the first 12 weeks of the year, some of which resulted in admissions.
She said the most affected parishes are Westmoreland, Ste Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew and Ste Ann.
The Ministry of Health said "that it is taking note of recent public concerns regarding influenza A caused by the H1N1 virus".
The ministry said its island still had the status of an influenza alert, as Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced during a presentation to Parliament. February 12th.
The minister explained that influenza A H1N1 is an acute respiratory infection caused by Influenza A type H1N1 and is one of the many viruses that cause seasonal flu on the island each year.
"However, the department wishes to point out that the H1N1 virus (pandemic strain 09) has been circulating in the island since 2009 and that cases have been identified every year since except in 2015.
"This virus has great potential for epidemics and pandemics, so everything must be done to prevent its spread by adhering to a strict hygiene protocol, vaccinating high-risk people and seeking medical care in the event of illness, so that treatment can start at its current point at the earliest, although the majority of cases are benign, all influenza viruses are potentially responsible for serious diseases, "says the statement of the Ministry .
The ministry said it had already stepped up its public awareness campaign and put in place stronger infection control measures in hospitals and health facilities.
"In addition, all clinicians have been sensitized to the protocol surrounding the treatment and care of members of the public with symptoms related to an influenza strain," the ministry said.
The ministry said it had also increased its drug stocks in hospitals and health facilities to cope with the increase in the number of people hospitalized. It has also continued and extended the extended opening hours of health centers to provide access to at-risk populations for the elderly and children under 5 years of age.
The ministry also warned and reminded that influenza should be taken seriously because it could lead to pneumonia and blood infections, as well as diarrhea and convulsions in children.
"The flu can also aggravate chronic health problems such as heart or lung disease. People most at risk for the dangerous complications of the flu are infants and young children, adults 60 years and older, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems, "said the ministry. of Health.
The ministry said the public should pay attention to the daily reminders of print, electronic and social media and encourage all stakeholders to adhere to and implement all the protocols relating to the wording of hand washing, sneezing and coughing and the use of public spaces and facilities.
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