WHO Regional Office Bracing for Swine Flu

By Rasha Dewedar Assistant Editor - IslamOnline.net

"We supervise doctors' training to be able to diagnose swine flu cases," said Gezairy. At a time when many people around the world are holding their breath fearing swine flu might become a pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) offices are working very hard to face the threat. On Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2009, the Eastern Mediterranean Office (EMRO) of the WHO held a press conference updating reporters on the status of the virus in the region and the protective measures being taken by the organization. "Actually, we've moved now from phase three to phase four. However, it is not yet a world wide pandemic," explained Dr. Hussein Gezairy, WHO Regional Director of EMRO. Gezairy explained that the disease has six phases until it becomes a worldwide pandemic. Phase One: The disease is transmitted from an animal to another with a slow rate. Phase Two: The virus circulates among animals and causes some infections in humans. Phase Three: The virus is transmitted among animals and spreads quickly among humans from animals, but no reported cases of human-to-human infections Phase Four: When the virus is transmitted from human-to-human. Phase Five: The virus is transmitted between humans in at least two countries in one WHO region. Phase Six: In addition to criteria of phase five, this phase is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region. WHO is raising the degree of preparedness in different countries. "We supervise doctors' training to be able to diagnose swine flu cases, and we also keep a watchful eye for any reported case," he explained. Flu Epidemics: How Do They Happen? (Flash) All You Need to Know About Swine Flu Sharing information is known to be very important in this case as well as providing complete transparency. Although WHO declared the shift of swine flu to phase four yet it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions at this point in time. Gezairy asserted that the entrances' issue is very important and crucial in case of contagious diseases. "If you remember, one of the most effective measures in embracing SARS was meticulous examinations at the airports," Gezairy added. "There are certain equipments used at the airports that detect people with high temperature like that of detecting metals." Unfortunately, these machines are not being used yet. Responding to a question about measures to be taken by people who are traveling to countries that have swine flu cases, Gezairy advised the following: 1. Cancel the trip if it is not essential 2. If essential, be extremely careful and avoid crowded places, shaking hands with others, hugging and kisses. 3. Be very alert in case of noticing any flu symptoms, and go to the hospital immediately Gezairy highlighted that the flu vaccine for this year is unable to attack the swine flu virus. Good Omens Sometimes bad circumstances might turn out to have a good side. In countries where there is already bird flu, people have become aware and more alert to flu symptoms. "We had an Egyptian woman who went to the hospital and told the doctor 'I've caught bird flu!' This lady was treated and got well afterwards," he added. Such cases show how awareness can help people have a quick response which saves them from dangerous consequences. Another good omen Gezairy stated was the weather. As we are approaching the end of the flu season, this might be a factor that decreases the incidence of infection. Also, among 152 infected cases in Mexico, only 20 cases have been confirmed to have died from swine flu so far. Most cases being reported by the media up till now have been "suspected" rather than "confirmed" cases. Between 250,000 and 500,000 people die of seasonal flu on average every year. "It's still early for WHO to declare any country as dangerous and keep people from going there, even Mexico," he added. Egyptian Pig Farms The Egyptian situation was one of the most important topics raised during the press conference. Egypt has pig breeding farms located in heavily populated areas inside the capital Cairo. This means that in case of a swine flu epidemic, the flu will be rapidly transmitted to people living near the pig farms, then to others. Rumors that the current spread of swine flu has started last month around intensive pig farms in the south of Mexico has sent a team from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on Tuesday to investigate. In the last few days, many voices in Egypt, including members of parliament and scientists, have asserted that the issue of taking the pigs outside heavily populated Cairo is no longer a matter of choice, that it has become an obligation or Egypt will face a full magnitude disaster. Egypt has about 350,000 pigs, most feed on collected garbage. The process of moving them out will be a very complicated one. Gezairy said that the authorities are thinking of two options; either culling all the pigs and compensating their owners, or taking them to an isolated place away from populated areas. Nevertheless, it is not clear till now what steps will be taken. Opposition newspaper Alwafd reported that the government is facing obstacles in putting together a presidential decree to transfer pigs to an isolated place, which was planned to go to action ten months ago. Almasry Elyoom newspaper reported that these obstacles included finding a suitable place where the pigs could be transferred to. Whether culled or transferred, many believe that the decision should be taken and applied quickly before it is too late. The most important thing asserted by Gezairy during the press conference was that, to face this threat, we need every single effort to raise people's awareness. This will significantly decrease the onset of the disease. "We need awareness, rather than panic."