Source: Xinhua
04-29-2009 10:11
Special Report: Tech MaxLUSAKA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- A senior Zambian government official said the southern African country has put in place measures to address a possible outbreak of swine flu, Zambia DailyMail reported on Tuesday.
Zambian Health Minister Kapembwa Simbao said on Monday that the government had reactivated its surveillance system throughout the country to detect any possible outbreak of pig flu.
The official was speaking in an interview with state television, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, according to Daily Mail.
Cases have been reported in Canada, the United States and Spain amid growing concerns over the spread of the virus. It has already killed about 100 people in Mexico, according to Daily Mail.
The Zambian minister said the reactivation of the surveillance system was being done to ensure that cases are reported promptly. The government was working with the World Health Organization and the country's Center for Disease Control to mobilize drugs and logistics in case of a swine flu outbreak.
According to the Zambian official, a task force had already been formed to address the threat.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease suffered by pigs. It is caused by influenza viruses.
Medical experts say there is currently no vaccine for this new strain, but severe cases can treated with anti-viral medication.
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Editor:Yang Jie
