Jordan has just had its first swine flu fatality this winter, while authorities announced that there are seven other cases receiving treatment and that the possibility of a second outbreak is very likely.
A total of 3,049 H1N1 cases were registered in Jordan since the first case was recorded in June 2009, according to Ministry of Health figures. The number of swine flu-related deaths in Jordan stood at 16 during the previous outbreak.
Wednesday’s fatality was a 32-year-old man who was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and admitted to hospital on Monday, in critical condition. The Ministry of Health urged those with signs of infection to seek diagnosis and early treatment, to prevent these symptoms from reaching critical levels.
A ministry official said a comprehensive plan to address any complications is in place, and 19 hospitals around the Kingdom are designated to deal with suspected cases. Moreover, the ministry said that the anti-viral medicine prescribed for treatment, Tamiflu, is available in sufficient quantities to deal with a potential outbreak.
Now that the authorities have declared preparedness, citizens also need to be ready, and aware of the symptoms and means of prevention. This may require a nationwide campaign, not one that would cause panic, particularly among parents worried about sending their children to school, but one informed and educating.
Just like last year, the campaigns should familiarise the public, through the media and at schools, of the symptoms and means of prevention. The ministry has already established a hotline to answer citizen queries about the disease.
Swine flu key symptoms include high fever, that reaches 40 degrees. Experts say sustained fever above 38.3 degrees is key to positive diagnosis. Other symptoms include swollen glands, lethargy, lack of appetite, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Precautionary measures include keeping hands clean by using soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel, particularly after shaking hands with others.
In addition, people should avoid drinking from glasses or cups used by others, especially at big gatherings where the same cup is often used to offer Arabic coffee. At the same time, people should use utensils instead of their bare hands and avoid sharing plates with others when eating traditional dishes like mansaf, as required by customs.
People adhering to simple health rules, and not only during outbreaks of diseases, can avoid getting infected with all sorts of viruses.
Prevention can save people many unwanted health hazards and the country the cost of treatment. And it is always better than cure.
Jordan Times