Statement from the Ministry and Department of Public Health of Aruba

Welcome to Aruba! To date there have been no cases of Influenza A H1/N1 in Aruba. The Department of Public Health of Aruba has taken all the necessary steps to ensure the island’s preparedness and to prevent an occurrence of Influenza A H1/N1 in Aruba.

It has been determined that crew members and at least one passenger on the Ocean Dream, operated by Pullmantur are infected with the A H1N1 virus. Aruba is the turnaround port of the Ocean Dream and passengers embark and disembark the ship in Aruba. Aruba has taken measures to protect the visitors and population on our island, while at the same time taking care of the crew and passenger of the ship that have Influenza A H1/N1 and those who have developed influenza-like symptoms. Passengers with influenza-like symptoms will be tested. All those without symptoms or that test negative will leave the island. Pullmantur has been requested to arrange for their flights to their destination.

Upon arrival of the ship in Aruba, all precautions as per health regulations issued by WHO & PAHO will be applied. A thorough plan of action is planned and will be implemented immediately. All passengers and crew members on the ship will be screened and those infected or show symptoms will receive treatment and remain on board until further notice.

The non-infected (healthy) passengers, that have a confirmed flight for departure today, will remain in the terminal until their flight departure time and will then be transported to the airport for departure. The ship will remain in the port of Aruba until further notice, in order to apply the Sanitation Protocol according to the WHO. As to the passengers that are arriving with flights today to embark on the Ocean Dream, Pullmantur has taken care of the accommodations here in Aruba.

Aruba has done its utmost to extend its care to all the passengers, for the safety of all its visitors and population. Thank you for your cooperation and whatever your destination may be, we wish you a safe flight. To those staying in Aruba, we wish you a pleasant stay.

As a final note, all travelers should follow the hygiene guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus as directed on the websites of the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.who.int and www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
If you think you have symptoms of the Influenza A H1/N1 (fever of 100F/38C, dry cough, sore throat), you should call the Influenza Diagnostic Center at: (297) 5887130 or (297) 5887280