MALE: Swine flu is the common name given to a new strain of influenza (flu). It is called swine flu because it is thought to have originated in pigs, but this is not certain. Swine flu viruses are usually of the H1N1 sub-type (Influenza A). The swine flu that has spread to humans is a version of this virus. Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness. Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at increased risk. Most people recover within a week, even without special treatment.

Pandemic

The virus was first identified in Mexico in April 2009. It has since become a pandemic, which means it has spread around the globe. It has spread quickly because it is a new type of flu virus that few, if any, people have full resistance to.

Flu pandemics are a natural event that occurs from time to time. Last century, there were flu pandemics in 1918, 1957 and 1968, when millions of people died across the world.

In most cases the virus has proved relatively mild. However, around the world hundreds of people have died and it is not yet clear how big a risk the virus is. For this reason, and because all viruses can mutate to become more potent (stronger), scientists are saying we need to be careful.

Situation in Maldives

In Maldives, the first swine flu related death was registered last week. It was a 65 year old man from Raa Atoll Inguraidhoo and health officials say that this was the first case of local transmission. The day after he passed away, a four year old boy from the same island was tested positive for swine flu. This week, two month old girl, one year old boy and a 29 year old woman, all from Raa Inguraidhoo was tested positive for swine flu.

In a different part of the country, in Meemu Atoll Muli, a 27 year old man was tested positive for swine flu yesterday.

According to a press release issued yesterday by the Ministry of Health, a foreigner who arrived from India on 19 November was tested positive for Influenza A. And a three year old Maldivian child who arrived from India on Saturday night was also tested positive for Influenza A. Their samples have been taken to test for H1N1 virus.

So far in Maldives, 12 swine flu cases have been confirmed. Out this, 6 patients were successfully treated and 5 patients are under going treatment. Only one patient died.

In pandemic influenza phase, Maldives has been placed at level – 3. Level three states that only few humans are infected.

Situation in the Asia

As of 15 November 2009, worldwide more than 206 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 6770 deaths.

According to a summary of situation of Pandemic H1N1 2009 in South East Asian region, as reported on the 16 November of this year, neighboring countries of Maldives like India, Sri Lanka and Nepal , the H1N1 cases are still increasing but at a slow pace. While no deaths have been reported from Nepal and Sri Lanka, according to WHO, 523 deaths have been reported from India. In Bangladesh 6 deaths have been confirmed and the spread of disease is on decline in this country.

In the Eastern Mediterranean region, as of 14 November 2009, 28,751 laboratory-confirmed cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 were reported to WHO by 22 out of 22 Member States of WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Somalia has reported the first 2 cases on the beginning of November. There are 188 related deaths from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 reported, so far, from 15 member states in the Region. These deaths were reported from Islamic Republic of Iran (33), Saudi Arabia (28), Oman (25), Syrian Arab Repbulic (22), Yemen (18), Kuwait (17), Afghanistan (14), Iraq (9), Egypt (7), Bahrain (6), Jordan (4), Lebanon (2), Palestine (1), Qatar (1) and Pakistan (1).
Saudi Arabia – On Saturday, Saudi Arabia reported that four pilgrims of Hajj died of swine flu. About 3 million Muslims participate in Hajj every year and 2 million of this comes from abroad. Around 1000 Maldivian pilgrims are also attending Hajj this year. Ministry of Islamic Affairs informs that all Maldivians are so far in good condition.