Health Ministry affirms readiness to deal with H1N1 cases

Manama, Oct.13 (BNA): Bahrain is sparing no efforts to contain the cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) and treat the patients who tested positive. The Health Ministry is in constant contact with the company that manufactures the (H1N1) vaccine to fast-track the delivery of a shipment comprising 25,000 shots. Health officials are also attempting to get the necessary (H1N1) vaccine from neighbouring countries. In a statement today, the ministry affirmed full readiness to deal with seasonal flu and ensure quick treatment. While reassuring the public, the Ministry of Health said that it expects a surge in the cases of flu of all types due to seasonal climatic changes at this period of the year. Seeking to allay public fears, the ministry said that the cases of Swine Flu (H1N1), which were diagnosed, do not imply a pandemic outbreak in Bahrain. "The swine flu (H1N1), like any curable seasonal influenza, does not pose any danger on patients’ lives", it said in a statement today. Meanwhile, ministry’s pharmacies are running out of H1N1 vaccine amid huge rush of people, which put the pressure on health facilities.