Friday, 3rd July 2009 - 15:13CET

Updated: Swine Flu cases rise to 16

Updated at 10 p.m.

The number of confirmed Swine Flu cases in Malta rose to 16 tonight, with another five cases having been confirmed late in the evening.

The presence of Swine Flu in Malta was only confirmed late on Wednesday and announced on Thursday morning, with four cases having been confirmed by late Thursday.

However their number rose to 11 by Friday afternoon with a further five cases by Friday evening.

Informed sources said two of the new cases confirmed on Friday evening came from the same family, which had recently travelled to the UK. Another was a man who had travelled to Spain. Details on the other two new cases were not immediately available.

All 16 patients are responding to treatment and not seriously ill. They are being treated at home.

In the afternoon, Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galed confirmed two cases of Swine Flu in Gozo - a Scottish girl aged eight who had been in contact with infected children in Scotland. and a baby of four-and-a-half months who is British, but not related to the eight year old girl. Both are in Malta on holiday with their families.

In Malta, the new cases were three men, aged 16, 22 and 23 who were in the same plane as the Rugby group which returned on Tuesday from Spain; a man, 22, who returned from Spain yesterday and a woman in her 20s who returned from the UK on Tuesday.

All the cases were detected by family doctors at home, except in the case of the baby, who was taken to hospital with a chest infection. The baby was due to be released from hospital this evening.

The patients had reported sore throats, a cough and fluctuating fever.

Dr Ray Busuttil, Director-General of Health, said it was very important that people who were abroad and felt flu symptoms on their return should not go out but call a doctor, thus avoiding the spread of the disease. Anybody who feels the symptoms while abroad should, responsibly, not board the plane but call a doctor.

The virus is normally detected seven days after contact and is cured in five days, although patients are required to stay in quarantine for seven days.

The first cases to be confirmed yesterday involved four members of a Rugby group who returned from a visit to Spain last Tuesday.

A helpline with number 21324086 has been set up. An information leaflet is available on pdf at www.doi.gov.mt

http://www.health.gov.mt/dsu/Influenza%20A(H1N1)/swine_broch.pdf

Next article • Mepa seals dumping site, stops water sports activities in Ramla l-Hamra

Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Friday, September 3, 2010. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

kurt bonello(on 6/7/09)

ALBERT FARRUGIA - Please keep your arguments according to the subject ! Are we speaking about workers refusing to put on there helmets ? No .. i disagree with those workers ..the reason for this is that its LIFE Threating ! Is swine flu fatal for people who are healthy ? No its not , youre cured in 5days with tamiflu LOL! BIG DEAL ! You have 0.036 % chance of getting swine flu at isle of mtv ... well ,you can stay home and watch a repeat in 2weeks time while il watch these amazing artists live . Last Point ...you basically said that i have the wrong mentality ? Are you serious ? Look at the paragraph below ... you're panicking cause 18people in malta got infected by swine and its not even fatal ..! hahahha enjoy !

Joseph Micallef(on 4/7/09)

And we better get working at it before schools re-open or otherwise we would have a much bigger problem! This is not scaremongering Mr. Scerri - this is being cautious. How do you know that ALL who are infected have been quarantined?

L(on 4/7/09)

I was wondering whether the government could possibly meet up with travel agencies organising tours (50 ppl + per tour) in the coming weeks to postpone such trips. This may appear to be far fetched however if not, we would then have to suffer the consequences of groups visiting countires like Spain (very popular destination during the months of July and August) who may possibly be infected. The virus will be spread in households etc once they are back on the rock! Some people are travelling Malta-Costa brava are then boarding a cruise liner Spain - Malta on their way back.....isn't the risk greater? Prevention is better than cure.

Adrian Sargent(on 4/7/09)

The NHS has a very good Q&A webpage for those interested:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx

The more you know the better off you are ;)

James Scerri(on 4/7/09)

I don't know what this fuss is all about! These ppl were all quarantined...and all came from abroad, which gives us a very good chance to control this flu. I'm backing the medical staff guidelines...and if we all follow them carefully, this should pass in a giffy!
MY QUESTION HERE IS ...DID YOU LAZY MORONS READ THE LEAFLET PUBLISHED WIDELY? (...AND ABOVE IN THIS ARTICLE TOO!)
STOP CAUSING PANIC!

J.Norman(English)(on 4/7/09)

With respect@Albert Farrugia Malta is a free country and everyone is responsible for his or her actions, as long as people like yourself keep away from me thats no problem sunshine., i intend to respect the Health and Safety advice and the people around me, i will certainly will not be attending any MTV concerts or any so called Maltese talent music shows, no way Pedro! i got radios and a BID SCREEN telly i can safely watch music venues from the comfort of me own villa, failing that in this weather we spend most of our time BBQ'g on our big patio by the large swimming pool.. T>T>FA. Johnny Norman (manchester united supporter)

Joseph Micallef(on 4/7/09)

I agree with Mr. L. Zammit that crowded events should be avoided as much as possible though I can't envisage their postponement or cancellation! To put our head in the sand like an oustrich is not an option - not for mentally sane people anyway!

Bernice Bruno(on 4/7/09)

Two of those infected in Spain attended the U2 open concert in Barcelona.
I don't know why there are bloggers here who are laughing at cautious persons who are suggesting that the MTV and other concerts be cancelled.
We can't stop tourists from coming here,it's not good for the economy but activities like the ones stated above we can, in the interest of our nation and all those living in it mostly the ones that are vulnerable.

James Wilberforce(on 4/7/09)

@Claire Spiteri Staines
Must not panic, it is not a crisis. Anyone with symptoms should follow the guidelines and stay at home, it is common sense and good manners to do this. However, I think it is right that a person can be infected for 5 days and be able to pass on the flu while not displaying major symptoms. Perhaps someone could confirm? If so then the flu will spread no matter how quarantine rules are applied or how infected people behave when showing symptoms. In these circumstance panic, or worse, reaction against those showing symptoms, will not help.

Albert Farrugia(on 4/7/09)

Considering comments like the one from Kurt Bonello below, seems like the Maltese traditional cavalier attiude towards any idea of health and safety precautions is going to be repeated even in the case of swine flu. On a building site few wear a helmet. Why should I wear one, some say. It will be too hot to bear! Why be properly tied when on a scaffolding_ It would make me less agile! Accidents will always happen, come what may, so why bother with costly and time-consuming precautions! Indeed, why wear a condom when having sex? All this is the fruit on the same mentality.
The sense of inevitability when it comes to sickness and accidents is probaly the leftover of adherence to the medieval religious and superstitious belief that we are totally helpless under the wrath of the gods! Unbelievebly there were also people who, in the Second Word War used to even ignore the air raid sirens and instead of taking shelter, going on ROOF TOPS witnessing the air battles! Free entertainment! This country the Lord chose to put me in is just incredible.

Renato J. Costigan(on 4/7/09)

WHO announced late yesterday that the Swine Fever is now 'unstoppable'.

Euronews annouced also yesyerday that by the end of August
in Great Britain there will be about 100,000 per day
sick.

British Airways announced that it is cutting 20% of its expenditure
due to lack of tourists booking, besides forcing thousands
of workers to get a day leave every week.

Now there will be consequences allover the world together with the
recession.

It is time that all the parties concerned will work together,hand
in hand. For the moment let's forget politics
and pull the same rope because this concerns everyone.

Edward(on 4/7/09)

@Mike Borg

For a moment there I thought that your comments were serious!

Timothy Agius Ferrante(on 4/7/09)

Temperature cameras have been installed ast Tripoli International Airport for some considerable time now. On occassion portable units are also used.

J.Azzopardi(on 4/7/09)

@D.Bart
Your palm readers concern is right however it can be easily overcome with the provision of alchohol wipes.

Claire Spiteri Staines(on 4/7/09)

The more we downplay swineflu, and the more we tell people not to panic, the more the flu will spread. People with fever and flu symptoms should not be allowed to board planes! People with flu should forget their egoism and stay home and call for a doctor. I am a pharmacist, and people with flu symptoms - fever and sore throat still came to the pharmacy, full of people, leaning over the counter and coughing in the face!! And were offended when i asked if they have been abroad. I actually had a client who was 'prescribed' antibiotics OVER THE PHONE by a doctor who hadnt even seen the patient!! Far from panicking, we're not even taking basic precautions!
As for swineflu having low mortality, many people have underlying health conditions, and it is not comforting for people who have asthmatic babies etc etc!! Shall we take this seriously when the first person dies, God forbid?
So maybe it is time to panic after all, and get some proper regulations to prevent the spread of swineflu. Life does not go on for people who lose a loved one due to pure egoism!!

L.Zammit(on 4/7/09)

To all those irresponsible guys out there laughing at cautious bloggers - Mela be selfish heqq and let those weak suffer by making it easier for the virus to spread. Did anyone ever read that our island is the most densely populated country in the EU?? Come on f'gieh is-sema, some responsibility please everyone

Chris Farrugia(on 4/7/09)

@M. Bezzina....
Luckily in malta it is summer and spread will be limited and consequences will be less vs. a winter setting.

Leo Said(on 4/7/09)

Not helpful news for the tourist industry.

D. Bart(on 4/7/09)

I think that the Authorities should stress more to people who have influenza symptoms to stay at home. Nowadays many of the government entities have palm readers for their employees and consequently if an employee is sick through the palm reader it can be easily spread. Something should be done about the palm readers because they are not healthy at all especially now with this virus around.

jcmicallef(on 4/7/09)

@ May D Vella

Thanks for the useful info.

C. Farrugia(on 4/7/09)

So....it has just been CONFIRMED that the *Swine* Flu has been brought to Malta by Rugby Players who visited Spain (with reportedly only approx. 700 cases) ?!! After a question by Brian Hansford on Super 1, Charmaine Gauci said that it was remote that the people on the same plane had contracted it. (Which to me doesn't make much sense since both the infected men, the rest of the team, and their families have been *quarantined*. Also, flu can be infectious very easily and by simple means! So in a way it sounds totally contradictory) It was stated on the program that others from the team showed symptoms but it was not Swine Flu, so who are the other 12 people infected and how were they discovered so quickly right after the 4 initial men?!

And what about the thousands of tourists who have been visiting the island since the Flu has been around? Had they all been checked and tested? ....and are they being so now?

Too many question, too few answers. Best is to boost up immune system, eating well, resting, good hygene, staying away from crowded places...as prevention to MOST illness.

Albert Bezzina(on 4/7/09)

Though the H1N1 has the 'potential' to be dangerous, up till now mortality per numbers infected has been low and, according to the media, mostly involving cases which had pre-existing medical conditions. Though the hysteria can be easily comprehended, readers should keep its perspective. If all Maltese ultimately get the H1N1 flu, statistically only a handful should succumb. It will not be fun if those who succumb would be a close relative or friend but keep in mind that several hundred Maltese die every year from self inflicted diseases from smoking and obesity.
Get on with life, be reasonable, take the recommended precautions and advice and if anyone gets the flu, that person has to look at it as a God sent free vaccination against future similar strains of viruses.

Mike Borg(on 4/7/09)

Maybe Malta should seriously consider moving out of the tourism industry and moving into something more suitable, which will conserve the maltese traditions and reduce interaction with foreigners( barranin). my suggestion is that we should now diversify and move into the research and cultivation of vegetables....specialising in growing turnips.

Justin Spiteri(on 4/7/09)

AND Isle of MTV is next week .... so much for avoiding crowds hehe.

Pauline Abela(on 4/7/09)

Here are some simple rules which may help:
1. Observe (and try to get your kids to observe) basic hygiene principles such as wash hands, use and throw away tissues in a resposible way.
2. If you have underlying medical conditions or are very concerned, consider using a face mask and try to consume food prepared by yourself or someone you trust.
3. Avoid public places if possible. Try to rest and follow your doctors advice if you get it - Don't panic - remember, in the huge majority of cases, this disease is not fatal.

May D Vella(on 4/7/09)

Other people who might be at risk (to continue with what j.michallef and k.zammit said):

*HIV people... they have their immune system depressed

*people on steroids... steroids depress the immune system too (eg, people needing a lot of medication in severe arthritis, asthma, etc - note however that not all asthmatics are on steroids, only those with uncontrolled asthma (ie use the B2 agonist, eg salbutamol, more than once daily, and thus the doc prescribed steroids to help control)

*symptomatic smokers (eg, morning cough, sputum, chest infections present, feel short of breath etc)... they have decreased protection because their airways are damaged

*old people with 'diseases of the old' eg, diabetics, arthritis, etc... with age, our immune system deteriorates.

these are some of the conditions which might affect the outcome of the H1N1 infection. there may be more, but these are the most common i guess.

I Vella(on 4/7/09)

I think authorities should cancel the Isle of MTV. Precautions should be taken in supermarkets, public transport buses and churches where a lot of people cannot avoid going. For example an alcohol hand wash dispenser should be made avail, regular cleaning of trolleys' hand bars etc. It may not be that fatal but it may be fatal to people who have a weak immune system. We are lucky that a least luck that most schools are closed.

M.Bezzina(on 4/7/09)

And with this hot temperature the virus has an advantage to survive more!!

Christine Vella (on 4/7/09)

Mexico has been praised for the way they have managed to control the swine flu in their country. A Mexican friend of mine told me that every person travelling to and from Mexico has his temperature taken before boarding.

kurt bonello(on 4/7/09)

you're honestly worrying about isle of mtv lol? do you know that over 300 youths are going to BENNICASSIM FESTIVAL IN SPAIN ON THE 11TH AND RETURN on the 21ST of JULY ...all on 1plane !!! I mean is this swine flu a big deal after all ? So what ...i get the flu and i'l recover in 5days ! Those who are less fortunate than others and are not healthy enough should be extra careful but at the end of the day we have no control over whats going to happen to us ! Everyone ... life goes on !! us maltese tend to make a big deal out of nothing ..we got the swine flu so WHAT ..everyone has it ...and everyone is going to be infected..we have no control ..we're a small island ...! relax guys its not a big thing ! ;)

Mario Bonnici(on 4/7/09)

To all those saying that we should avoid crowds and other public places.
So are you suggesting that we stop living and become recluse??
Are you suggesting that we stop tourists from coming to Malta??

Carmen Gatt(on 3/7/09)

Swine flue going up and rising rapidly very quickly. all the past comments about various bloggers telling us to keep away from CROWDS,ie., music festivals, confined spaces bus full of passengers,Restaurants, Airports tourist arrivals, etc., etc., now its no joke they were Right all along. Malta is a small highly condensed and populated island, as as they are telling us in Britian it could be 10,000 cases per day, now imagine in a country like ours.

Mike Borg(on 3/7/09)

Maybe we should start rejecting tourists. let's move out of tourism and specialise in the research and development of vegetables....turnips....

E Cortis(on 3/7/09)

There is no need for 'unofficial advisers' at this moment in time. We all know what we should do in the prevailing circumstances. We have simply to avoid crowds and closed spaces, like Restaurants, Cinemas, Bars etc etc. I hope no-one suggests the contrary !!!!!

David Atkin(on 3/7/09)

"So far most people who have contracted the new A (H1N1) virus have experienced influenza-like symptoms (such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, malaise, headache, joint/muscle pain) and recovered without antiviral treatment."

Source WHO website

P. Camilleri(on 3/7/09)

For those of you who are scared s....less, please do us a favor & stay home..... But leave us who aren't to roam around & have fun.... I'm not gonna miss anything & like me there are thousands... Please do not do harm this economy further & stop spreading out unfounded rumors & theories....This could have grievous consequences on our already crippled economy. For all you rational people out there, listen to what the experts have to say, but until then, enjoy the freedom...!

L. Zammit(on 3/7/09)

Malta is a very small overpopulated island and the spread of such virus can be much faster here than in other countries. Logical. EVERYBODY HAS TO BE RESPONSIBLE NOW. and yes crowded events should be avoided. Have we really become so materialistic as to prefer a concert or crowded places to our health. No amount of money, partying, fun can replace our precious health.

Joe Duca(on 3/7/09)

Even Japan and Hong Kong reported that they have each found a patient with the type of swine flu that has proven resistance to Tamiflu.
One patient, has since recovered after taking Relenza - another influenza drug.

T. Pulis(on 3/7/09)

Ms Bruno, I've been reading about H1N1's resitance to Tamilflu in Denmark. Even common seasonal flu can resist Tamiflu. I agree with you in all other comment. We should avoid crowds.

Math. Falzon(on 3/7/09)

So really what you saying irst that swine flu really is brought to Malta by the tourists and spreads to others via gatherings and so on, i have to watch out and keep away from crowds then, how boring to have to go through life for the summer season without mixing with tourists and own folk during our village festa. Mathew.Falzon

jcmicallef(on 3/7/09)

@k.zammit Thanks for the input, it makes sense that ppl that cant take the medication are therefore at higher risk.

Chris Farrugia(on 3/7/09)

some people here have watched "I am legend" one time too many. Let's not fool ourselves, the swine flu has been in malta for quite some time. Just cos we didn't check for it, it doesn't mean it wasn't with us God knows how many maltese had swine flu and got over it without knowing it was that flu. With the amount of tourists malta receives on a daily basis from effected areas it was impossible for any authority to avoid it. I came to malta on holiday 4 weeks ago from australia and i spotted at least 2 kids and an adult with flu symptoms. Did they seek medical attention? probably not and god knows how many people they met etc etc. So the flu is in malta.. ok so what? make sure who gets it gets his anti virals within 48 hours of the symptoms, check for it and stay at home for 7 days if u've got it.

Bernice Bruno(on 3/7/09)

I agree with Rachel Theuma and D.Xerri, authorities are to cancel events were large crowds will be gathered. Let us not fool ourselves this virus is not a joke. In Denmark an infected person already did not respond to Tamiflu so the virus is getting mutant and yes Mr.Edwin Abela I will avoid festas, restaurants, plays, concerts, parties, weddings because my health comes first and all the others follow!

Albert Farrugia(on 3/7/09)

@Edwin Abela If you cared to hear what the authorities are saying, they are saying that one should avoid large crowds. This means that one should avoid the Isle of MTV altogether. Its as clear as crystal.

Alfred Farrugia(on 3/7/09)

Dear Alfred Bugeja and E. Bartolo, temperature cameras are not perfect or infallible, but they are NOT totally useless. Have you read the last recommendation, and footnote 66, for “Countries not yet affected” on page 43 of the following WHO report concerning “Reducing the spread of disease”, namely “Consider implementing entry screening at international borders”? http://www.who.int/entity/csr/disease/influenza/extract_PIPGuidance09_phase5_6.pdf Have you read the ECDC/WHO section on “Entry screening for geographically isolated infection-free areas (islands) …” on page 5 of the following document? http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/Health_topics/Pandemic_Influenza/pdf/InPand_SevEpi_Annex.pdf Thermal imaging systems should have been in place at our airport and sea ports since last May, as other countries did, such as Dubai. Now we apparently have more A H1N1 cases than Dubai! http://www.ameinfo.com/195021.html http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_07_01a/en/index.html One of the problems is that other infected countries failed to comply and implement “exit screening” as recommended by the WHO! This virus might not have been prevented from entering our country, but the earliest possible detection would have been more productive for remedial action. Given the small size of our island and the density of the population, we now have to deal with the current situation. How did the virus travel to Gozo?

KZammit(on 3/7/09)

'Finally, the fatal cases (4 in the UK) have all been reported to have happened to ppl with 'serious underlying health problems' but this has not been elaborated. ' People that cant take the medication currently used against it i guess ... i know someone that cannot take the medication against it because of a medical condition

Brian Hansford(on 3/7/09)

In yesterday's edition of Realta' the director of health Ray Busuttil along with Charmaine Gauchi an expert in the field and Dr Micheal farrugia did an excellent job to inform the public about the H1N1, during the said program most concerns from your posts were raised. I highly recommend that tonight you watch the repeat of the program on One TV at 23.30pm. lets follow the political parties and help each other. United we stand divided we fall,

iCocker(on 3/7/09)

Have all the persona on board that flight been quarantined, if anymore have the virus by now probably has started spreading around much more easily? You do not need to be a scientists but all the passengers have families, all the families go to work and roam around so probably will be hearing more victims for sure ... the alarm will start when we start getting victims outside this circle, which in an island densily populated like ours can spread quicker then predicted ... so can the health department assure us about the happining?

jcmicallef(on 3/7/09)

This piece of news shows how difficult it is to control the people's movement.

One radio station reported that the infected scottish girl has only just arrived in Malta. But if she was in contact with ppl having the virus, why on earth did she and her family travel?

Perhaps they did not know that they had been in contact with infected persons back home?

The virus takes its time to show, so the news about the infected persons in Scotland may have well been out before these started their trip to Malta.

Anyway, I hope they all recover quickly, the poor kids especially.

Finslly, the fatal cases (4 in the UK) have all been reported to have happened to ppl with 'serious underlying health problems' but this has not been elaborated.

Are ppl with heart disease or asthma more at risk? Could the health authorities please shed some light?

Perhaps this information may help identify those with higher mortality risk, and ensure that they are more careful. Healthy persons seem able to recover from this infection, so let's try and avoid any fatalities.

edwin Abela(on 3/7/09)

Some people are passing RIDICULOUS comments, making matters much much worse and instilling unecessary panic where there SHOULDN'T BE. Avoiding the MTV concert? Don't be ridiculous! Why don't we just stop going out altogether for a couple of months and steer clear from festas, restaurants, plays, concerts, parties, weddings....work!?!? Ma va!!! Hysterical nonsense! Shame on you.

Rachel Theuma(on 3/7/09)

I think that the authorities should avoid large crowd like the Isle of MTV, parties (Music ones) etc. Why nothing like this is taken into consideration??? Many people are coming to Malta for this event... Is it worth risking a lot of people getting contaminated just because of a good percentage of tourists?

D. Xerri(on 3/7/09)

Now what about next week THE ISLE OF MTV on Wednesday - Thousands will be gathered face to face altogether.
Should people go?

A Azzopardi(on 3/7/09)

"All the cases were detected by family doctors at home' Yet family doctors had to learn from the media that the Swine Flu had arrrived.
We either support our family doctors or we sink, in this and in other health related matters

noel grixti d'amato(on 3/7/09)

I work at the mia and there isnt nothing to check passengers coming in from abroad (until now). Moreover, there are many entites that work at the airport and still they have not been given any type of equipment (like alcohol wipes). Although, some are taken it personally to provide by themselves such material.

D.Caruana(on 3/7/09)

Helpline number is not available.....nobody answers to this phone

Elaine Zammit(on 3/7/09)

@ adrian agius - temperature cameras do exist and if I am not mistaken were used in an airport close to Malta not in the EU. I believe that the MIA knows about these cameras already!!!

E Bartolo(on 3/7/09)

YES ADRIAN!! LET US ALL THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!! I HAVE AN EVEN BETTER IDEA!!! Why doesn't cabin crew check the passengers temperature BEFORE LETTING THEM BOARD THE PLANE?? That way if anyone has fever they will be stopped from coming to Malta! And international postal services should be halted too, since somebody might have licked the envelope.....therefore sending over his germs to Malta!! I OUTSMARTED YOU.........pffffff certa gente.....

Alfred Bugeja(on 3/7/09)

Temperature cameras are totally useless because the latent infection period is 5 days.

WHO has already said that H1N1 is unstoppable. It's useless trying to stop it from coming in because it's here to stay. The best thing to do is 'brace for impact'.

J.Schembri(on 3/7/09)

What is the stocking ratio that the the Maltese Health Dept are keeping? I have tried purchasing Tamiflu from a local chemist and paid deposit some seven weeks ago,(since my husband travels to UK very regular) and till this morning I couldn't get a reply of when the next consignment is coming in for the private sector. I am sure that the stock levels are not enough for most of the Maltese population.

adrian agius(on 3/7/09)

ARE THERE ANY TEMPERATURE CAMERAS AT MIA TO CONTROL WHOEVER IS COMING TO MALTA WITH HIGH TEMPERATURE?? A LOT OF STUDENTS ARE COMING OVER FROM SPAIN THIS YEAR!!!!

Updated: Swine Flu cases rise to 16

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