Ethiopia says swine flu under control

June 23, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia ministry of health said that nation has taken control of the appearance of the H1N1 flu virus, and it is no more a threat.

Ethiopia on Friday confirmed its first case of swine flu on 16 and 17 year old citizens who recently returned home from a yearlong study from the United States.

The Ministry said, after the H1N1 virus was detected last week coordinated efforts were launched to hold back the threat and it is now under control.

It further said anti-influenza drugs that could reach-out 100,000 patients are being distributed to hospitals and some 30 hospitals across the country are at standby to treat and follow up cases, should it break out.

Ethiopia’s ministry of health admitted cases on only two persons but unconfirmed sources coming out of St. Paulo hospital, where first case detected, today reveal more cases on 5 foreign nationals.

Some people are blaming officials of Addis’s international bole Airport for loosening examination to Arrivals from across the world and also luck of fast detecting Lab-equipment.

The world health organization (WHO) last week declared swine flu a pandemic as reported cases of swine flu across the world hit 44,000 with 180 deaths, mostly in Mexico and united state.

Ethiopia is the fourth African country to report cases next to South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.

(ST)