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MIDDLE EAST: Swine flu cases on the rise

DUBAI, 25 June 2009 (IRIN) - The number of cases of the A(H1N1) virus, otherwise known as swine flu, is growing in the Middle East, with many new suspected and confirmed cases in the past few days, but so far no one has died of the disease.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) latest A(H1N1) update on 24 June, the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases worldwide reached 55,867, with 570 in the Middle East. The number of deaths from the disease globally is 238.

New cases in the Middle East

Bahraini Health Ministry said on 14 June that seven Bahraini students - five girls and two boys - had tested positive for the A(H1N1) virus. The cases were among a 13-member Bahraini student group which had returned from the USA after a 10-month exchange programme.

Egyptian Ministry of Health (MoH) reported a new case, bringing total to 41.

Israel has identified about 271 cases so far. On 22 June the MoH transferred the primary care for A(H1N1) to national health management organizations. On 21 June MoH lifted restrictions imposed nearly two months ago on travel to Mexico.

Iraq's MoH has just confirmed the first cases, saying seven members of the women's national basketball team were being treated in hospital. One member of the US-led multinational force in Iraq had also been confirmed as having the disease, Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi said.

Jordanian health minister announced on 21 June the discovery of a new case (a 27-year-old Filipino woman who had arrived in Jordan from Manila on a Kuwait Airways flight), bringing the total to 13.

Kuwait health authorities said on 20 June that a Lebanese had been diagnosed with swine flu, bringing the total number of cases to eight.

Lebanon’s MoH said on 24 June the number of diagnosed cases had risen to 30 after the detection of five new cases.

Oman's Health Ministry confirmed its first three cases - students studying in the USA.

Saudi health officials announced three more cases on 24 June, bringing the total number of reported cases to 48.

United Arab Emirates confirmed its eighth case on 25 June. The infected person, who had arrived from abroad, was being treated in hospital.

Occupied Palestinian Territories - Five cases so far in the West Bank, none in Gaza.

Yemen’s Health and Population Ministry announced a new case on 23 June, bringing the total to six. The first case was registered on 16 June.

Qatar - In line with WHO recommendations, the Supreme Council of Health has warned the public against taking Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir) for the treatment of flu-like symptoms, or as a preventive measure against A(H1N1), without a prescription from a health care practitioner. There were 10 confirmed cases in Qatar as of 24 June, according to WHO.

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Theme(s): (IRIN) Early Warning, (IRIN) Flu, (IRIN) Health & Nutrition

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