SMC reports two H1N1 Cases

[Ronan Kelly]

SMC reports two H1N1 Cases

date: 23 08, 2010


Manama Aug 23 (BNA) Bahrain today announced two new cases of swine flu, also known as H1N1. "Lab tests have confirmed the contamination of two Asian men in their thirties", Salmaniya Medical Complex Chief Physician Dr Mohammed Amin Al Awadhi revealed.
The two H1N1 infected patients are being kept in isolation in the intensive care unit, being in critical. They are being monitored and treated with anti-flu medication as they are suffering from breathing problems and other H1N1 complications. No other H1N11 infections were reported so far at the private companies where they work. Efforts are being coordinated with the Public Health Directorate to ensure the necessary preventive measures and avert a potential H1N1 outbreak. "Despite the discovery of the new cases, the situation in Bahrain remains assuring" Dr Al Awadhi said, urging caution to avoid potential infection. Seeking to allay fears, he said such cases are individual and coincide with seasonal flu. Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer praised SMC doctors for detecting the new H1N1 cases quickly and undertaking the necessary preventive and precautionary measures, directing them to remain on the alert. A H N BNA 1955 GMT 2010/08/23

http://english.bna.bh/?ID=89222

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: SMC reports two H1N1 Cases

Bahrain geared to contain flu virus
By MANDEEP SINGH , Posted on ? Thursday, August 26, 2010

BAHRAIN is fully prepared to handle any situation related to a possible surge in H1N1 swine flu cases, a top official said yesterday.

The ministry has vigilant staff and the Public Health Laboratory is fully prepared to handle any situation, said Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer.

"There are also plenty of anti-flu drugs and other medication available," he said following a meeting with senior officials held yesterday at the ministry in Juffair.


"Isolation and intensive care facilities at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) are ready to receive patients and emergency services are on standby."

The meeting was called by Dr Al Hamer following directives from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa after two cases of HIN1 were reported on Monday.

The two men, an Indian and a Pakistani, are reported to be in critical condition at the SMC.

However, Dr Al Hamer said the two are now showing signs of improvement after intensive treatment.
"The emphasis is on the safety of all those who stay in Bahrain so we are once again enforcing the implementation of preventive measures," said Dr Al Hamer.

"We have to ensure the virus does not spread any more so all health facilities have been instructed to follow strict guidelines and educate patients who visit."

He said the ministry was also co-ordinating with other government officials concerned, including with authorities at the Bahrain International Airport, the ports and the King Fahad Causeway.

Dr Al Hamer earlier said that the swine flu pandemic was over but the virus would still be around.

He said it would keep appearing from time to time with other strains of the flu virus, adding there could be such cases during flu seasons.

Meanwhile, SMC chief of medical staff Dr Mohammed Amin Al Awadhi said the cases were not unusual.

He said the situation in Bahrain remained under control and there was no reason to panic.

Dr Amin said that anyone who has any flu symptoms along with a high fever should consult their doctor immediately to be advised on the necessary steps to be taken.

Seven people died in Bahrain after the outbreak was first reported in March last year.

The last death was reported in October when a 48-year-old Bahraini woman died of multiple organs failure.

Around 1,500 people had been affected by the highly-contagious condition, but most had minor to moderate conditions and quickly recovered, according to health officials.

The WHO had declared last month that the H1N1 swine flu pandemic was over.

It said the world had entered the "post-pandemic period" in which the H1N1 virus had begun acting like - and circulating with - other flu bugs.

The health organisation said the new H1N1 virus had largely run its course.

It said the virus would continue to cause disease in younger age groups and pregnant women, at least in the immediate post-pandemic period. mandeep@gdn.com.bh

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=285546