The Health Ministry yesterday announced 5 new cases of H1N1 known as swine flu, bringing the total infections in Egypt to 39 cases. Meanwhile, Dr. Kamal Sabra, Assistant Health Minister for Medicine, assigned a committee of 4 to inspect the pharmacies so as to make sure they do not sell Tamiflu, the drug that is recognized globally for the treatment of bird and swine flu. The committee found two pharmacies in Cairo that were selling it for a high price, one in Damietta, and one in October City, although selling it is prohibited outside the hospitals of the Health Ministry. The drug was confiscated and the owners referred to the prosecution. Dr. Sabra said such campaigns will continue in order to ensure that pharmacies do not sell the drug. As to the plague that appeared in Libya, Dr. Erik Perth, a senior expert with the World Health Organization (WHO), said the disease appeared in Libya before, adding that its appearance at specific spots was due to climatic factors. WHO said Perth, who left Libya yesterday, has done extensive investigation and has conducted epidemiological surveillance to assess the status of the deadly disease and help the Libyan authorities develop an effective system to contain it. At a press conference held at the Batnan International Center yesterday, Perth said that the preparations taken by Libya were consistent with WHO standards, pointing out that the Libyan doctors dealt well with the four suspected cases. On another note, Al-Masry Al-Youm paid a visit to Shabramant and Abu Qatada, where the garbage piles have become home for rats and insects, to report the anger of the residents and the neglect of the officials.
