Aruba Takes Steps to Prevent Influenza A Virus from Hitting the Island

While the H1N1 virus has not been reported in the Caribbean, Aruba has already begun adopting measures for greater surveillance to prevent the virus from spreading to the region.

The Aruba Department of Health is taking all necessary steps to ensure the islands preparedness and to prevent an occurrence of H1N1 in Aruba.

The Department of Health has scheduled meetings with all border control officials, the Aruba Tourism Authority and the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association as well as other entities concerned to provide accurate information.

The Department of Health is following all steps according to the protocol established by the WHO/PAHO/CAREC (Caribbean Epidemiology Center) guidelines which includes alerting health care providers to increase vigilance, increase surveillance for early detection at points of entry, all travelers to Aruba are required to fill in a form on their state of health upon arrival, and the implementation of the country’s pandemic plan as per WHO pandemic phases.

Other measures include the implementation of the communication plan for the local community (press conferences, press releases etc), and a diagnostic center for Influenza Like Illness has been set-up and is available 24/7 by telephone for locals as well for tourists.