29 September 2009

Egypt Demands More Swine Flu Vaccines


CAIRO- Egypt will not have sufficient swine flu vaccines for its 80 million population. Health Ministry spokesman Abd-El Rahman Shaheen informs that 5 million doses will be distributed in the upcoming six months. In October's second half health professionals will deliver 80,000 vaccines, by January 1.2 million, and the rest by March. This amount will only cover six percent of Egypt's population which is not enough for all pregnant women, children and students. Shaheen asks WHO for a "fair distribution" to successfully vaccine those at high risk, Egyptian Muslims who plan pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, and health workers.

Egypt has the highest number of deaths from the bird flu. Officials goal is to also prevent the development of a new virus due to new possible combinations. WHO will commence swine vaccine distribution in November to an estimate of 90 countries, including Egypt.


Source: http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2009/09/29/news/438645.prt

(Reliability: 8)

Comment: There are 87 confirmed cases by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratories of avian influenza (H5N1) from which 27 have been fatal.

28 September 2009

Egyptians Swine Flu Under Investigation


CAIRO- Global concerns over the H1N1 swine flu virus continue to rise. Egypt attempts to prevent the spread of the virus by taking strict precautions with policies and a quarantine system. Already, officials closed schools till October 3. In August, Egyptian government banned elderly and people under 25 years old from traveling to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Egyptian government quarantined 150 people after two confirmed cases at an American University of Cairo dormitory for a week in June, and continues to suspects of having the swine flu. Officials that quarantine possible infected people are mixing them with the diseased which will result further spread of the virus. World Health Organization does not consider Egyptian measures reasonable due to the recent unnecessary slaughter of pigs in April despite unreported cases of the pandemic.


Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-09-28-voa35.cfm?rss=health

(Reliability 9)

Comment: People who are already infected should stay at home to keep others from getting the swine flu. Suspects will become infected when they have contact with those who already have it.


27 September 2009

Egypt: Distance Learning, Swine Flu Spread Preventer


CAIRO- Swine flu virus cases increase to 900 with two deaths in Egypt. Concerns in Egyptian universities forces new measures to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus through out the country by planning to utilize distance learning in many universities. University officials postponed the new academic year start date from 6 September to 3 October to make such preparations and changes. Egyptian university representative Ashraf Hatem, stated that "irregular students" or those with swine flu symptoms will not be allowed to attend the universities. Officials decided based on the idea that decreased number of attendance will reduce the spread of the swine flu.

Cairo University intends to broadcast lectures through two TV satellites due to large class sizes that can facilitate disease spread. Helwan University will divide student's attendance in morning and afternoon shifts, while Ain Shams University plans to record and relay lectures on the radio and student's union.


Source: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20090925024540199

(Reliability: 8)

Comment: H1N1 is highly contagious similar to seasonal flu. Due to its potential to infect people, people who are already sick should stay home to prevent other people from sickening. Children under 5 years of age, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people who already have a disease are vulnerable to severe complications and possible death.