Guyana has confirmed it sixth case of H1N1, a 17-year-old male from Georgetown whose illness was traced to international contacts. To date, a total of 50 specimens have been sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) for testing, of which six were positive, all traced to international contacts, and the remaining 44 were negative.

The ministry says it is equipped to contain the spread of the HINI virus and that fortunately the cases identified here are all moderate.

The ministry assures that the situation will continue to be monitored carefully, “There is a cost attached to having the specimens sent for testing but it is not much,”a Ministry official pointed out.

In some countries testing has ceased because the disease has become widespread, but that this is not the case in Guyana. If it does reach that stage, the primary focus will be on treating persons.

A new piece of equipment valued at $8M, which will facilitate local DNA testing of specimens on an open platform, meaning that the equipment has the capacity to test for a variety of things, will be set up by November.

Also, the H1N1 vaccine will be available by the end of the year. When the vaccine becomes available, pregnant women, young children and the elderly will be at the forefront of those to be vaccinated.

The Ministry is urging that Guyanese continue to heed safe hygiene practices.