SUSPECT SWINE FLU IN THE SOLOMONS

A MAN suspected of infected with swine flu virus is currently under intensive medical observation

A MAN suspected of infected with swine flu virus is currently under intensive medical observation at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara. Although hospital authority had yet to confirm whether the patient is infected with H1N1 swine flu virus, hospital sources told Solomon Star, he had presented symptoms of the flu.The man in his mid 30s, who could not be named for confidentiality sake, suffered severe headache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.Tests have been carried out and sent overseas for results. The patient is now quarantine and under medical observation awaiting results.The patient was reported to have returned from Melbourne, Australia, last week.Australia has so far recorded 1,200 people contracting the virus, with Melbourne leading the highest recorded case.Following the news of the suspected case, doctors, nurses and guardians working in the hospital's wards have been wearing masks for fear of contracting the virus.Sources said the news has caused panic and fear at the hospital since the weekend.Attempts to get confirmation from health and medical authorities yesterday were unsuccessful.However, a medical staff said an official statement in relation to the case will be issued later.Early last month, the health ministry said it had strategy measures to contain the spread of virus.Swine flu is spread through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.The infection causes a flu-like severe respiratory disease, with fever and cough, which may lead to difficulty in breathing and eventually death. Other symptoms may include sneezing, body aches, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and tiredness.Health authorities said hygiene is the best way to prevent an outbreak of the flu, adding everyone in the country has a role to play to prevent the infection from spreading in the Solomon Islands.Around the globe more countries have reportedly contracted the virus, which resulted in the World Health Organisation (WHO) formally declared influenza pandemic.The pandemic declaration is the first in 40 years.WHO had also raised its alarm rate to six because of the rapid spread of the virus in Australia, Asia and other region.So far 30, 000 people been infected and more than 140 deaths have been reported worldwide.Most of the countries have been warned to remain vigilant as the virus continues to spread.