Algeria: Fears Of Resurgence Of “H1 N1” Influenza

In a telephone conversation with “Echorouk”, the head of the communication cell at the Ministry of Health, Mr Salim Belkacem confirmed that 79 percent of the samples of seasonal influenza patients who arrived at the Pasteur reference laboratory in the capital at the start of the cold season are gripped by a complex influenza virus.

However, he denied the existence for the moment of cases of the so-called “swine flu,” or H1 N1 in the country.

As a recall, in neighboring Tunisia, the H1 N1 virus has reportedly killed up to 18 people.

Mr Salim Belkacem underlined that five years ago, the seasonal flu evolved in its composition and became complex and is composed of the H1 N1 virus. 

Immunization is guaranteed only by regular immunization through proper vaccination, he asserted.

Immunization is essential for pregnant women, the elderly over the age of 65 years, children and people suffering from chronic diseases, he explained. 

Although a related awareness raising campaign has been carried out, the required vaccination is available in health facilities and pharmacies, he added.

Mr Salim Belkacem confirmed that the regular vaccination campaign for the regular influenza, which started last October, has reached the rate of 90%, noting that the seasonal flu killed during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, 30 Algerians and the number of deaths from the disease around the world reached 500 thousand cases, It is a complex flu carrying the virus “H1, N1”, he noted.

He called on the citizens to take preventive cleaning measures and not to remain in closed spaces in the presence of some cases of seasonal influenza, and predicted widespread spread of the dangerous “H1N1 virus,” during the months of January and February, the peak expected to be reached by the spread of seasonal flu, thus requiring people from vulnerable groups to revert to vaccination without fail.

He further said that the Ministry of Health had issued strict recommendations to all clinics and hospitals across the national territory to take samples of seasonal flu patients who are undergoing a deteriorating health status and advised the parents to avoid leaving children with the flu as a sensitive category, because the “H1 N1” virus could lead to death, he warned.