"health" Citizens are reassured… the epidemiological situation in Egypt is safe and stable… and there is no justification for closing schools
The Ministry of Health and Population has resolved the controversy raised on social media regarding the spread of respiratory viruses, stressing that the epidemiological situation in Egypt is safe and stable, and that the viruses currently spreading are normal and expected at this time of year, according to the latest national surveillance data and World Health Organization reports.
The Deputy Minister of Health for Preventive Medicine Affairs, Dr. Amr Qandil, said – during a press conference held by Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population – "There is no justification. To close schools or classes, and the viruses present are very normal this season, and there are no new mutations of Corona.”
He added, “The surveillance system monitored 1,000 signals related to respiratory diseases during the recent period, 30% of which turned out to be positive for seasonal influenza of the H1N1 type, while the rest of the cases were distributed among other types such as H3 and Flu B,” he stressed. Two-thirds of the currently recorded infections are caused by H1N1 influenza, which is within the expected seasonal rates according to global research.
He explained that the ministry is conducting continuous genetic analysis of the viruses, and no worrying mutations have been recorded, noting that the infection rates are higher than last year but are still within the normal winter rates.
He stressed the need not to give children antibiotics at home without consultation. The doctor prevented children with influenza from going to school in order to protect their classmates.
He continued, “There are no devastating symptoms for children when the use of unnecessary antibiotics is stopped,” noting that the decline in seasonal vaccination rates this year was a direct reason for the increased spread of influenza.
The Ministry of Health, at the conclusion of the conference, called on citizens to rely on official sources only, and to apply simple preventive measures, most notably good ventilation, Personal hygiene, seasonal vaccination, and not sending sick children to school.
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