CAIRO: A total of 218 cases of swine flu were reported last week, according to the Ministry of Health. Abdel Rahman Shahin, spokesperson for the Ministry of Heath, said in a statement Sunday that clinical studies have proven that the rate by which the H1N1 virus is spreading in Egypt is within the normal rate of the seasonal flue. A total of 533 cases were reported between October and Dec. 18, including 30 fatalities, he added. In the same period in 2009, the ministry reported 10,599 cases with 134 fatalities. Last week, Shahin warned of an expected H1N1 outbreak in the upcoming few months, due to the drop in temperatures. The virus started appearing again with 75 cases reported late October and November, however Shahin confirmed that there is nothing to fear, citing the World Health Organization's Director General, Margaret Chan, latest statement regarding the virus. “As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.” Chan said. The Ministry of health advised citizens to consult a doctor when experiencing symptoms of the seasonal flu that are similar to swine flu, including coughing and sore throat. Children, the elderly, pregnant woman and those who suffer from chronic diseases, who are at higher risk when catching the swine flu, are advised to be extra careful. The ministry added that the tamiflu vaccine is available for free in all public hospitals and is also available in all private pharmacies. The ministry listed a number of precautionary measures that include sanitization, proper ventilation at the workplace and at home, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding crowded places. –Additional reporting by Safaa Abdoun.
