Maldives is experiencing an increase in seasonal flu cases this year which can be effectively curtailed with timelyand appropriate treatment of the affected people, good infection control measures at heath facilities and by people taking simple preventive measures.
Every year, seasonal flu affects millions of people across the world. The influenza A H1N1 virus, which caused the pandemic flu in 2009, is now among the viruses which causes seasonal flu. Besides Maldives, other countries in WHO South-East Asia Region are currently witnessing seasonal flu cases, including by influenza A H1N1, such as India and Sri Lanka. A few cases have also been reported from Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand.
WHO is closely monitoring the situation in Maldives with the Ministry of Health to assessrisks and immediate and intermediate needs for testing and treating people with flu.
Timely detection of cases and treatment with antivirals for severe cases, as per WHO global guidelines, is key to minimizing the impact of seasonal flu. With WHO support, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital laboratory is equipped and its laboratory staff trained to test and diagnose Influenza strain. WHO has been guiding the Ministry of Health on clinical management and influenza vaccine protocols.
WHO has provided 1000 courses of antiviral Tamiflu, used for treating severe cases of flu, and 200 more are being procured. Supplies or testing flu cases have also been provided to the Ministry of Health.
To strengthen infection control and prevention at health facilities, WHO is also procuring N95 masks, other face shields and gowns for use by health workers treating flu affected patients.
WHO and partners are bolstering efforts of the Ministry of Health which continues to make concerted efforts to prevent spread of flu and minimize its impact with 24 X 7 flu clinics and hospitals attending to people and addressing concerns of the community through an awareness campaign.
Most importantly, the Ministry of Health has launched a flu vaccination drive to cover at-risk population such as pregnant women, people with compromised immunity, serious underlying health conditions such as cancer, and those who have undergone organ transplant and other serious surgeries. Nearly 900 pregnant women have been vaccinated already. The vaccination is also planned to be expanded to cover health care workers. Flu vaccination being the most effective preventive measure, WHO is procuring 30 000 doses to facilitate Ministry of Health’s vaccination efforts.
While the Ministry of Health continues to take appropriate measures against seasonal flu, community support through adoption of preventive measures and appropriate health seeking behavior, is important to protect against flu.
Simple measures such as washing hands frequently, covering cough or sneeze, cleaning surfaces touched by numerous people such as door handles, telephones etc, and staying home when you have flu, are effective measures for preventing spread of flu.
WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restriction or entry screening for seasonal flu.
Further strengthening measures and capacities to deal with seasonal and other fluwould go a long way in minimizing health impact of fluin the coming years.
by WHO Representative to Maldives Dr Arvind Mathur
Prevention, timely and appropriate treatment key to curtailing flu
