Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: June 6, 2009: The Ministry of Health would like to advise that a second case of Influenza A / H1N1 has been confirmed in Trinidad and Tobago.

The second case was found after testing was conducted on persons travelling with the index case for H1N1, consistent with due protocol. Ministry of Health investigators working on a list of persons who had contact with the index case discovered and confirmed the results late last evening.

The Ministry of Health has already contacted and tested the people sitting close to the index case, and continues to contact more people from that flight. However, given that two people on American Airlines flight number 1647 of May 30th from Miami to Piarco have been infected, the Ministry of Health is now requesting all persons who were on this flight and they have not been contacted so far to immediately call the Ministry's H1N1 hotline at 800-WELL (9355), and indicate that they have been on this specific flight.

Consequently, they will be contacted by Ministry of Health officials who will conduct all necessary investigations and will provide further guidelines.

In the meantime, and as a further precautionary measure, all persons from American Airlines flight number 1647 of May 30th from Miami to Piarco are asked to please stay at home as much possible and avoid mass gatherings.

This is to minimize the possibility of any further potential spread of the virus.

We would like to reiterate, as said by the Minister of Health, the Honorable Senator Jerry Narace at a press conference yesterday that all activities have been ramped up to ensure the containment of the virus locally.

Please note that an increase in travel between affected areas and the Caribbean is anticipated during the school vacation period. CAREC advises that countries should continue enhanced surveillance for fever and respiratory illness.

Once again the Ministry of Health is urging all citizens to practice good hygiene (washing hands) and proper respiratory etiquette (cover your cough, sneeze, etc). All citizens are further urged to seek official information on Influenza A/H1N1 through the Ministry's:

· Web site at www.health.gov.tt
· Facebook group: Ministry of Health
· Twitter @moh_tt
· Email @ corpcomm@health.gov.tt
· The H1N1 hotline at 800-WELL (9355)