Belize Prime Minister Says Belize Prepared For Swine Flu

Belmopan, Belize 8 June 2009 - (Belizean.com) - Prime Minister Dean Barrow has said Belize is prepared for the outbreak of Swine Flu, also known as the H1N1 virus which has been detected in northern Belize. The outbreak of five cases at the Corozal Free Zone that borders Mexico's southernmost state of Quintana Roo was confirmed yesterday by the Director of Health Services of Belize Dr. Michael Pitts.

In a broadcast interview today Mr. Barrow said that: "Fortunately, the cases are confined to the Free Zone and we've had enough lead time to stock up on Tamiflu and supplies to treat the cases which at least initially appear to be few enough to allow us to deal with the issue successfully.

"I saw where the World Health Organization is saying that this thing is ultimately going to become a pandemic. So in terms of what happens further down the road, it is difficult for me to say. But my understanding is we have sufficient supplies to allow us treat effectively and successfully the situation."

The Corozal Free Zone is heavily visited by Mexican nationals from Chetumal, Quintana Roo who visit the facility to patroninise casinos and durty free shops.