In the wake of public concern, about recent deaths related to the H1N1 influenza virus, the Health Ministry has insisted, that the country was put on alert, for influenza, in February.

It also issued a release last evening (Mar 29) reminding citizens that the country remains, on an influenza alert.

This stance has not gone down well with members of the public, who say the ministry should have specifically warned about the H1N1, not just influenza generally.

Reports emerged yesterday, that the ministry has recorded three deaths, related to the H1N1 virus, since the start of the year.

It also noted that the threshold for alerting the public to an epidemic is 15.

In a statement last evening, the ministry said, influenza H1N1, is an acute respiratory infection, caused by the influenza type ‘A’ H1N1 virus, and is one of a number of viruses, that result in seasonal influenza in the island, annually.

It said the H1N1 virus pandemic strain, has been in circulation in the island since 2009, and cases have been identified each year since, except for 2015.

Director of Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services in the Health Ministry, Dr Nicole Dawkins Wright, said the ministry has been responding to the increases in influenza cases.

She said the ministry had already increased its public awareness campaign, and instituted enhanced infection control measures, in public hospitals, and health centres.