PARAMARIBO, Suriname — Authorities in Suriname on Monday confirmed the first cases of swine flu in the country.

At a press conference Health Minister Celsius Waterberg disclosed that 11 of 16 volleyball players who last week participated in a tournament in Trinidad and Tobago were tested positive for the H1N1 influenza virus.

While a rapid test from the Bureau of Public Health (BOG) on Thursday came back negative, samples from the players were sent to the renowned Pasteur Institute in Cayenne, French Guiana.

On Sunday the health authorities here were informed by e-mail that 11 of the volleyballers had tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The same samples are being sent this week to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for a second opinion.

“However we don’t expect to get a different outcome,” said Waterberg. He further noted that meanwhile all the infected players are recovering spontaneously and very well and should receive a clean bill of health within days.

“There is no reason for panic, but we all have to be vigilant in order to contain the virus,” he added.

Meanwhile, family members and contacts of the volleyball players are being screened for the influenza virus. Those who are showing influenza-like symptoms are being advised to stay home, and consult a doctor if the infection persist.

Also the passenger lists of the flights on which the volleyball team returned to Suriname will be contacted to take precautionary measures and seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.

At the Suriname Health Ministry, a swine flu hotline has been established, while the authorities will present updates over the current situation.

Head of the Bureau of Public Health, Lesley Resida, noted that actions are aiming to assess the scope of the infection beyond the 11 confirmed cases to prevent further contamination. The authorities will also increase public education on the matter. However, the government is reluctant to issue travel advisories.

“Travellers should take precautionary measures to protect themselves in all circumstances,” Resida said.

“We were well prepared and I think that we have a very good chance to contain the disease,” he added.

Deputy director of the health agency, Wim Bakker, stated that since Suriname doesn’t have a policy of mandatory quarantine, the authorities are relying on the personal responsibility of infected individuals to put themselves on a voluntary quarantine.

“We won’t place people in a hotel or other facilities with police guards at the door, but call upon those who are infected by the virus to quarantine themselves in order to protect their family and loved-ones and the rest of the population,” said Bakker.

According to Health Minister Waterberg currently there are 1,000 units of Tamiflu in stock, while another 100,000 units are being imported.

The official warned, however, that this medication would only be prescribed to patients with a weak resistance and patients who have a serious lung or heart condition.

Worldwide more than 130,000 people have contracted the H1N1 flu virus, while more than 140 people have succumbed to the disease.