Health Minister (Prof. Babatunde osotimehin) Writes Nigerians on Swine Flu Epidemic

[adesholakomolafe]

Dear Compatriot,

On Friday 24th April, 2009, health officials in Mexico City, Mexico identified a new
strain of Swine flu, which caused illnesses and deaths among its citizens.
The outbreak has also been reported in other countries of the world.


Present Situation in Nigeria
So far, no suspected case of the Flu has been reported in Nigeria but the Federal
Government is fully prepared to contain any outbreak of Swine Flu in the country.

Measures already put in place are:
We have strengthened surveillance at all ports of entry into the country – airports,
seaports and all land borders. We have our surveillance officers present and fully
ready in all Local Government Areas, States and at the Federal level.

We have in stock adequate quantities of Tamiflu, the drug of choice for treatment
and we wish to by this inform all clinicians and health workers to report any
suspected case of Swine flu to the Epidemiology Division, Department of Public
Health, Federal Ministry of Health.

Contact persons:
Dr. J.Y. Jiya - 08034030212
Dr. A. Nasidi – 08037006349
Dr. Henry Akpan – 08037626718
Mr. John Kehinde - 08023210923


Fact Sheet on Swine Flu
Definition – Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A
influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu
viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do
occur.

Symptoms of Swine Flu
1. Fever
2. Sore throat
3. Cough
4. Stuffy Nose
5. Headache and body aches
6. Fatigue
7. Diarrhea and Vomiting
8. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure), leading to death.

How do people get infected?
People usually get swine influenza from infected pigs, however, human-to-human
transmission has occurred in some instances.

Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?
Swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating
properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs.
The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 70°C.

Pandemic risk?

It is likely that people, especially those who do not have regular contact with
pigs, or do not have immunity to swine influenza viruses that can prevent the
infection are likely to be infected. If a swine virus establishes efficient human-to
human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic

Vaccine
Presently there is no vaccine. This is because influenza viruses change very quickly
and the match between the vaccine and the circulating virus is very important to
give adequate protective immunity to vaccinated people. It will take up to 3-6
months to develop adequate quantities of vaccines for this disease.

Drugs for treatment

Antiviral drugs such as tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza are used for treatment.
How do you protect yourself?

· Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and
cough.
· Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.
· Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

If there is an ill person at home:

• Try to provide the ill person a separate section in the house.
• Cover mouth and nose when caring for the ill person using face masks
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill
person.
• Try to improve the air flow in the area where the ill person stays.
• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.

What should I do if I think I have Swine Flu?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough and/or sore throat:

See your doctor
• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds as much as possible.
• Rest and take plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing and
dispose of the used tissues properly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after
coughing or sneezing.
• Inform family and friends about your illness

If you need medical attention:

•Please, contact your Doctor

We will keep you informed.


Sincerely,

Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin
Honorable Minister of Health
Federal republic of Nigeria