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First 2 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Malta
by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.com
Current Affairs -- Thursday, July 02, 2009 -- 09:55CEST
Two 26-year-old men who returned from a holiday in Spain on Tuesday have been diagnosed with the Influenza A H1N1 virus in Malta, Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea revealed on Thursday morning.
The 2 men, who live in the north of Malta, were among a group of 25 tourists. Suspicions were raised when they developed flu symptoms, and they were tested for the H1N1 virus on Wednesday.
Another 10 members of the group are showing symptoms, and have been tested for the virus. The results are expected to be out on Thursday afternoon.
So far, Malta had been the only EU country without any swine flu cases, Mr Galea noted.
The 2 patients are not seriously ill, and are being treated at home. They are being treated with Tamiflu, which the virus has been shown to be responsive to. Government has already stockpiled enough Tamiflu to cover a quarter of the population.
Public Health Regulation director general Ray Busuttil said that they, the suspected cases and their families are under voluntary quarantine, commending their ?absolute cooperation?.
Mr Galea said that there was no need to panic, as the authorities were well prepared for such an eventuality. However, he advised travelers to countries affected by swine flu, particularly Spain and the UK, to follow precautions including the avoidance of heavily crowded locales and regular hand-washing.
Symptoms might manifest themselves up to a week after the virus is contracted, but the virus is only transmitted by people exhibiting symptoms. This can be both directly, through airborne droplets, or indirectly, through contact with an object a sick person has touched.
Precautions include regular washing of hands, as well as objects such as doorknobs, buttons, etc. with water and soap. People sneezing or coughing should cover their mouth and nose with tissues, which should be disposed of immediately, and wash their hands.
Around ?3.5 million have been allocated to combat the potential epidemic, with funds going to a leaflet mailed to all Maltese households, pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies.
Dr Busuttil said that a vaccine might be available by next January.
by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.com
Current Affairs -- Thursday, July 02, 2009 -- 09:55CEST
Two 26-year-old men who returned from a holiday in Spain on Tuesday have been diagnosed with the Influenza A H1N1 virus in Malta, Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea revealed on Thursday morning.
The 2 men, who live in the north of Malta, were among a group of 25 tourists. Suspicions were raised when they developed flu symptoms, and they were tested for the H1N1 virus on Wednesday.
Another 10 members of the group are showing symptoms, and have been tested for the virus. The results are expected to be out on Thursday afternoon.
So far, Malta had been the only EU country without any swine flu cases, Mr Galea noted.
The 2 patients are not seriously ill, and are being treated at home. They are being treated with Tamiflu, which the virus has been shown to be responsive to. Government has already stockpiled enough Tamiflu to cover a quarter of the population.
Public Health Regulation director general Ray Busuttil said that they, the suspected cases and their families are under voluntary quarantine, commending their ?absolute cooperation?.
Mr Galea said that there was no need to panic, as the authorities were well prepared for such an eventuality. However, he advised travelers to countries affected by swine flu, particularly Spain and the UK, to follow precautions including the avoidance of heavily crowded locales and regular hand-washing.
Symptoms might manifest themselves up to a week after the virus is contracted, but the virus is only transmitted by people exhibiting symptoms. This can be both directly, through airborne droplets, or indirectly, through contact with an object a sick person has touched.
Precautions include regular washing of hands, as well as objects such as doorknobs, buttons, etc. with water and soap. People sneezing or coughing should cover their mouth and nose with tissues, which should be disposed of immediately, and wash their hands.
Around ?3.5 million have been allocated to combat the potential epidemic, with funds going to a leaflet mailed to all Maltese households, pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies.
Dr Busuttil said that a vaccine might be available by next January.
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