HPA says majority of cases reported to the authorities across the country are viral flu cases with few tested positive to H1N1
Speaking on TVM Raajje Miadhu Program, official from the H1N1 task force Dr. Abdullah Niyaf said that the flu and viral fevers reported across the country are seasonal, with increases in such cases noted during the same period annually.
Most patients consulting doctors these days have normal flu and viral fever symptoms, with few being tested positive for H1N1, he added.
Dr. Niyaf noted that H1N1 and most flu viruses are not life threatening, but can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children under the age of 5, pregnant women, elderly persons and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Speaking on the program, Director General of HPA Nishan Ahmed said that normally 3000 cases of viral flu would be reported to the authorities during a week, but this number has increased to 5000 in recent weeks.
According to latest statistics by health authorities out of 335 people suspected of having H1N1, 105 people were tested positive for the virus, with two deaths reported so far.
Since receiving initial reports of H1N1 cases the Health Ministry and HPA instituted a task force to monitor and handle the situation, Nishan said. He said national health programs have been enhanced, while authorities have launched stringent measures to control the outbreak.
As part of these measures, schools across the country were closed, with government and state offices providing pay leave for pregnant women.
HPA has also increased public awareness efforts on H1N1 virus and influenza. HPA advises citizens to refrain from gathering in public places and take measures to prevent contraction of the flu. HPA says personal hygiene and that of the surrounding environment plays a major role in prevention of such viruses.
According to HPA this is the largest outbreak of the H1N1 ever reported in the country with new cases reported each day.