WHO says five new A/H1N1 flu suspect cases being tested in Africa

Source: Xinhua | 05-08-2009 09:14

ADDIS ABABA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Five new suspect cases are being tested for the A/H1N1 flu in Africa, although there is so far no confirmed case on the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) said here on Thursday.

WHO regional director for Africa Luis Gomez Sambo told reporters that one of the five suspects is from Benin and the other four from the Seychelles.

Previously there had been several suspected cases in South Africa, Kenya and Benin, the official said, adding all these cases were finally tested negative.

Africa's health ministers are gathering for a five-day meeting in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, where they will discuss some response measures against the outbreak of the flu on the continent.

He warned that the impact may be more serious if the new flu hits Africa, citing Africa's poor surveillance systems and medical facilities.

WHO will give 1,000 doses of Tamiflu, an anti-flu drug, to every African country, according to Sambo.

In late April, the African Union urged all the member states t o"be alert and vigilant" about any possible outbreak of the flu on Africa. AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping said in a statement that AU health ministers are to discuss this matter during the conference of ministers of health to be held on May 4-8 in Addis Ababa.

WHO said in a latest update that 24 countries have officially reported 2,371 cases of A/H1N1 influenza infection. Mexico has reported 1,112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 896 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths.

Editor:Zhang Yun