Armenia preparing for swine flu prevention

PanARMENIAN.Net - As of November 9, 3 A/H1N1 suspected cases are registered in Armenia. Patients' analysis samples have been sent to London laboratory, and only after receiving official confirmation of the disease can World Health Organization start delivery of relevant medications to Armenia. Test results will be available in a month, Health Minister Harutyun Kushkyan told today a news conference. "WHO demands that at least the first 10 cases fixed in any country receive official confirmation by regional reference lab which is in London," Minister said.



At that he noted that 3 individuals suspected of having A/H1N1 found in Zvarthnots airport, with one of them being an Iranian citizen and other 2 - citizens of RA. The former was isolated and, after receiving relevant treatment, left for Iran. As to the 2 RA citizens, they still receive their treatment in Republican hospital under chief infectologist Ara Asoyan's direct observation.



Artavazd Vahanyan, Head of Hygienic and Anti-Epidemic Inspection at Health Ministry, announced earlier that 50 people in Armenia were suspected of being caused by A/H1N1, however, further check-ups did not confirm the virus.



Minister also said that Armenian Government has taken independent measures towards obtaining required medications and serums to prevent the pandemic. "This morning Health Ministry hosted meeting with big importers, and parties reached agreement over importing certain quantity of required medications."



7 thousand 500 tons of Tamiflu is currently available in Armenia, and 20 thousand more is expected to arrive in the near future, Minister said, adding that the required quantity of medicine is 30 thousand tons. Health Ministry plans to first of all start vaccination among risk groups, i.e. medical workers and people working in services sector. As for children, Ministry is expected to acquire for them a special kind of medicine with no side effect. All the big hospitals of Armenia are on the alert, said the Minister.



"There's no reason for panic or concern. It is just recommended to be more attentive, observe rules of hygiene and, if possible, drink 2-5 liters of liquid. In case of feeling dizzy, having temperature or nausea, it's necessary to apply to doctor," Mr. Kushkyan said.