Swine flu
World Health Organisation Updates
4 May 2009 -- As of 18:00 GMT, 4 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1085 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (101), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).
It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.
WHO warns of a second wave of Infuenza attacks
Although mortality rates for have declined, WHO has advised international communities to be vigilant on second waves of Influenza attacks. Data on past pandemics of Spanish, Asian and Hong Kong show that second waves hit in later weeks which were more lethal.
Dr Margaret Chan advised, 'No matter what the situation is, the international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up preparedness and response.'
Libya Information
The national centre for the prevention of communicable diseases and endemic has organised its first meeting for the crisis management committee to discuss ways to fight against diseases and swine flu and finding possible methods for treatment in the case of swine flu entering the country. The conferees have decided to co-ordinate with airlines and border control authority to provide quarantine staff at airport and ports with all needed materials. Also providing sufficient number of doctors to screen passengers coming into Libya. The chairman explained that there is a specific preventive action plan that will be executed and that there is sufficient number of trained personnel who can diagnose the disease. A decision was made to prevent travellers for Mexico from entering the country unless they travel to a country that is free from the disease for ten days then they will be allowed entry. They also issued a decision to form three committees each responsible for a particular aspect, one will be in charge of co-ordination, the second will be responsible for identifying requirements to be provided and the third will be responsible for the cooperation with the media.
