Swine influenza

The disease caused by the virus H1N1 affects the respiratory system in pigs where it has caused numerous epidemics in the last years.  Recently, in April 2009 it was announced that it has been passed from one human to another, and has become infectious in different parts of the world. A number of deaths have been reported as a result of Swine flu.

How do you get infected?
• Spread of the disease from human to human via coughing and sneezing from infected persons.
• Direct contact with items and surfaces contaminated by infected persons.
• Direct contact with pigs.

Disease symptoms in humans may include:
• High fever
• Coughing
• Muscle aches
• Shivering
• Running nose
• Sore throat
• Diarrhoea ,vomiting and sickness

Incubation period:
The affected person becomes infectious one day before the symptoms appear and remains infectious typically for a further seven days after the symptoms appear.

How to prevent yourself from infection
• Wash hands with soap and water especially after coughing and sneezing
• Cover your nose with a paper tissue when sneezing or coughing, and dispose of the tissue carefully
• Avoid contact with infected persons
• Protect nose and eyes
• Avoid crowded places
• Stay away from pig farms and their surroundings

What should you do if flu symptoms occur?
If you are coming from an infected area in which casualties among humans or pigs have been announced, and you start to feel one of the listed symptoms, you should go immediately to the nearest health centre, or consult your doctor.

For Inquiry please contact Contagious Diseases Department:

Mobile phone 079-9036023 Fax: 065686965