H1N1 confirmed in 11 atolls of Maldives

Monday, December 7th, 2009

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The Ministry of Health has revealed that H1N1 has been confirmed to exist in 13 islands of 11 atolls of the country.

These islands include Raa Inguraidhoo, Alif Alif Rasdhoo, Meemu Kolhufushi, Meemu Mulaku, Noonu Manadhoo, Shaviyani Goidhoo, Shaviyani Lhaimagu, Lhaviyani Naifaru, Vaavu Thinadhoo, Faafu Nilandhoo and Dhaalu Kuda Huvadhoo.

Speaking at a press meeting held yesterday, Senior Medical Officer Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed of Center for Community Health and Disease Control (CCHDC.)
said that people from these islands who exhibit common cold like symptoms can be considered to have H1N1 and those tested positive for Influenza A from these islands can be considered to be infected with swine flu as well.

Dr Jamsheed also said that looking at the present scenarios, there is a possiibility of swine flu will spreading fast in the country.

As of 29 November 2009, worldwide more than 207 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1, including at least 8768 deaths.

In Maldives, so far, 25 people have been confirmed with H1N1 while 55 have been confirmed with Influenza A virus. Only one swine flu related death has been registered in the country, that is, a 65 year old man from Raa atoll Inguraidhoo.

In the press briefing held yesterday, senior officials from the Health Ministry said that there is hope that swine flu vaccine will reach Maldives soon but they have not specified a date.

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