Virus report clarified
published: Friday | December 12, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

ON THURSDAY December 4, 2003, The Gleaner carried a misleading headline, which stated, "No evidence of flu-like virus". This headline misrepresented the facts sent from the Ministry of Health to your reporter as well as body of the story. The facts are that while we are aware of the increase in cases of a flu-like illness we are not able to say which is the specific virus, which is causing this increase.

Further tests are being carried out which will determine the strain of the virus circulating in Jamaica and this will assist with improved management of cases. In addition, more intensive surveillance of the flu-like conditions is being done as well.

The Ministry is concerned that the misleading headline has affected the credibility of health information from us and would be grateful if corrective action could be taken to provide the right impression/information to the public regarding the presence of the flu-like virus circulating at this time.

I am, etc.,

SHERMAINE ROBOTHAM-WHYTE

Public Relations Manager

Ministry of Health