Egyptian Ministry of Health denies the existence of scientific evidence on the swine flu virus mutates

[Treyfish]

Health 06/09/2010 5:29:00 PM



Cairo - 6-9 (KUNA) - U.S. and Egyptian Ministry of Health there is no scientific evidence that there is a mutation in the swine flu virus, or resistance to the drug Tamiflu in viruses that were isolated from patients in Egypt.
The ministry said in a statement Thursday that there is no new types other than the customary seasonal flu or laboratory evidence possible emergence of a new wave of the disease at this time.

The Assistant Minister of Health for Preventive Medicine, Dr. Nasr that the results of the labs and the research bodies in order to follow the evolution of swine flu virus confirmed that he is not yet there is no scientific evidence the virus had mutated or non-effectiveness of the treatment schedule.

Mr there is cooperation with reference laboratories and research bodies to follow the evolution of swine flu epidemic and laboratory and monitor any changes in the properties of the virus or severity of the disease caused him.
He noted that he is stand-up world of swine flu, referring to the number of countries which have infected with the disease amounted to 214 countries worldwide and the number of laboratory confirmed cases of death 18 114 cases.
Pointed out the low prevalence of the disease in the continent of Africa and the tropics, pointing out that the ministry continues in the activities and efforts to follow up the disease for early detection of any increase in the rate of spread.
He said the ministry following any changes in the disease through surveillance and epidemic through an integrated program includes surveillance of bird flu, seasonal, and cases of pneumonia, and systemic cases of inflammation of the respiratory and severe in all hospitals across the country.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgencyPub...12&Language=ar

[Laidback Al]

Re: Egyptian Ministry of Health denies the existence of scientific evidence on the swine flu virus mutates

Pointed out the low prevalence of the disease in the continent of Africa and the tropics, pointing out that the ministry continues in the activities and efforts to follow up the disease for early detection of any increase in the rate of spread.

The perceived low rate of infection of H1N1 in Africa is more likely a result of spotty and incomplete surveillance that actual lower rates of influenza infection.

[Vibrant62]

Re: Egyptian Ministry of Health denies the existence of scientific evidence on the swine flu virus mutates

As far as I am aware, we have not been picking up on reports suggesting that there may be a problem with H1N1; only that concerns have been raised over the genetic development of H5N1 in Egypt. I am therefore curious about why the minister has felt a need to deny the existance of an H1N1 mutation in Egypt; perhaps there has been confusion between the two viruses?

[Laidback Al]

Re: Egyptian Ministry of Health denies the existence of scientific evidence on the swine flu virus mutates

As far as I am aware, we have not been picking up on reports suggesting that there may be a problem with H1N1; only that concerns have been raised over the genetic development of H5N1 in Egypt. I am therefore curious about why the minister has felt a need to deny the existance of an H1N1 mutation in Egypt; perhaps there has been confusion between the two viruses?

The confusion might lie with the journalists and reporters. Only Indonesia and Vietnam have reported more human H5N1 cases than Egypt. Egyptian health officials are probably very cognizant of the difference between H5N1 and pandemic strains of H1N1. If they have discovered evidence of genetic reassortment of H5N1, it most likely would not be publicly reported.