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SENEGAL: Raising alert without hysteria in swine flu defence
27 Apr 2009 18:42:41 GMT
 Source: IRIN

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DAKAR, 27 April 2009 (IRIN) - Health authorities in Senegal have reactivated an early warning health system put into place in 2006 following the resurgence of the H5N1 avian flu virus in Hong Kong  in response to a recent outbreak of swine influenza.

The swine influenza A/H1N1 viruses in the latest outbreak have not been previously detected in pigs or humans, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

"Health workers in all districts have been on high alert to report suspicious cases," said Ministry of Health's top advisor Assane Yaradou. "Weekly health alerts have been upped to daily alerts warranted by the risk of a pandemic." The last high alert was in March 2009 in response to a regional meningitis outbreak, said Yaradou.

Doctors are to report any cluster of patients reporting flu-like symptoms.

"We do not want to cause hysteria, and will issue within days more clarification on prevention." Yaradou said from earlier avian flu preparation, the country has on stock Tamilflu medication for treatment.

The health minister advisor told IRIN despite direct flights to Senegal's capital from the United States, which has reported 20 confirmed cases of swine influenza as of 26 April, Senegal has not issued travel restrictions or changed surveillance of incoming passengers.

WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions.

pt/aj

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Last updated:Mon Apr 27 18:42:58 2009