Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ministry of Health said all the necessary preparations have been made to prevent H1N1 flu virus and is no more a threat.

In a press conference they jointly gave here on Saturday officials of the Ministry, Ethiopian Nutrition Research Institute and St. Paulos Hospital said coordinated effort was launched to hold back the threat and is under control.

St. Paulos Hospital General Manager Dr. Liya Kebede said the virus has been detected in two of three students who came here from USA last Saturday following an examination.

The manager said the examination was made on the students upon their arrival at the Bole International Airport last June 12, 2009.

Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) Deputy General Director Dr. Amha Kebede on his part said St. Paulo and St. Peter Hospitals are ready to follow up people who are suspected of contracting the virus.

He said EHNRI is to provide case management training to professionals in different health facilities of the metropolis. He said the laboratory in EHNRI is providing a 24 hour service.

Dr. Amha said efforts are well underway to import laboratory equipment that would help for fast detection.

He said examination unit has been established at Bole International Air port to investigate incoming passengers.

The deputy director said passengers who use Ethiopian airlines are obliged to fill out forms and training has been offered to staffs of the airliner.

He urged the public who had contacts with people coming form aboard and observe symptoms of the virus such as coughing to immediately go to health facilities.

He said anti Influenza medicine that would help to treat more than 100,000 people is also being distributed.

Public Relation Directorate Director with the ministry Ahmed Emano on his part said the ministry has launched activities to employ national prevention system with all regional states.

He said some 30 hospitals across the country including here in the metropolis are standby to treat and follow up cases. Trainings have been offered to health professionals.

The director urged the public to follow attentively update information about the disease.

The biopsy of the students which is sent abroad for confirmation showed that they have the virus, he said and added ,the result demonstrated that the checkup service made in the country is reliable.

More than 80 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with H1N1 flu and 163 deaths. Cases of the flu are also reported in Africa in Egypt, Morocco and South Africa, according to WHO.

The symptoms of this new H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this new H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

The officials said the public could provide information when they observe symptoms of the virus and related issues through phone line 011 2 75 01 25.

- ENA