A/H1N1 virus : 42 deaths and 687 confirmed cases in Algeria

Death toll related to influenza A/H1N1 rises in Algeria, as three new deaths were registered on Saturday, bringing the number of deaths to 42 and 687 confirmed cases, according to a toll the epidemiological situation of the disease published Saturday by the Ministry of Health, Population and Hospitals reform. 

• The previous outcome published by the ministry of Thursday had indicated the registration of 39 deaths and 633 confirmed cases.
• The new deaths, according to the same source, are a 24-year woman living in Algiers, a 28-year pregnant from Khenchla, East of Algeria, and a 51-year man from Alma, Setif, East of Algeria, who has been taken to hospital following a respiratory probelm.
• The ministry said that the number of confirmed swine flu cases until December 3, appeared only on those who went to the hospitals following the emergence of A/H1N1 symptoms, or those hwo have been directed to a health center.
• Same sources added that information based on data by the Network of Controlling the swine flu devided the confirmed cases of A/H1N1 to two major phases that appear during the evolution of the pandemic at the national level. A prior phase from November 22, as the symptoms of the virus were less than those recorded in the previous years, may be because of control system, prevention  that were introduced in May 2009.
• On the other hand, the virus spread registered thanks to the surveillance system in a number of patients who have been treated directly at the reference hospitals and not by their regular doctors who make up the basis of the monitoring network’s information.
• Also, a certain number of patients have been treated directly in the reference centers and not by their usual doctors.
• Second phase, according to the same source, from Nov.22 to today, as a rapid rise of the swine flu spread  is recorded, and is the highest since 2006.
• The ministry asserted that « Oseltamivir » is avialable in the public, semi-public and private health structures, as it will be offered for persons who show symptoms of the virus following the submission of a prescription in pharmacies.
• The ministry urged citizens to the need to respect certain rules of hygiene, especially washing hands regularly with a preference to use the liquid soap several times a day and using napkins paper during sneezing or coughing.
• It laso recall the greenline 3030 which is put at the disposal of all persons who suffer from high fever or cough, as well as considerable fatigue.