MAKKAH: King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah revealed the presence of eight new cases of H1N1 influenza among employees over the course of one week this season, while sources confirmed the number of cases has risen to 12.
In a statement, King Abdullah Medical City confirmed the lack of any relationship or contact between any of the infected employees and infected patients at the hospital, noting that transmission of the virus was a result of the individual being in a crowded place.
The statement further said all cases are being dealt with professionally. One patient in critical condition was isolated and provided necessary treatment, and is currently recovering after being discharged from the hospital.
The remaining cases were simple cases among employees, and did not require their admission to hospital as they were instead isolated at their homes until they fully recovered.
King Abdullah Medical City said no new cases were reported over the past week.
In the statement, King Abdullah Medical City said it is carrying out its role efficiently to combat H1N1 influenza, including dealing with patients and employees who display flu-like symptoms in order to take necessary preventative measures, as per the instructions of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
The hospital began its vaccination campaign of all its employees against the influence before the Haj season for the year 1436 AH, with 2,658 employees receiving vaccinations.
Individuals who are in contact with infected individuals are also given preventative medicine, and in the case that flu-like symptoms appear, the individual is isolated for at least one week in hospital or at home until they are in stable condition once again, as per medical test results.
During the isolation period, those around the patient are required to use preventative masks for being within one-and-a-half meters from the patient and ensure their hands remain clean.
The director of environmental health and infection control at King Abdullah Medical City, Dr. Mustafa Al-Hifnawi, confirmed the situation is under control and anti-infection measures are in place and strictly enforced, while the director of pharmaceutical services, Mohammed Al-Ghanmi, said influenza vaccinations and antibiotics are available at main pharmacies at King Abdullah Medical City.
He urged all citizens to use face masks due to the start of the Umrah season in Makkah, which may contribute to more rapid transmission of the virus with increasing numbers of pilgrims.
The infection control program at King Abdullah Medical City is one of the top programs in the region, and was evaluated by international bodies, such as the JCIA and internal bodies like the Ministry of Health’s Infection Control Department. The program was awarded an evaluation score of 98 percent, and was also praised by nongovernmental actors evaluating the program.
H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, is a seasonal flu that usually emerges during the winter and subsides by the end of February. Symptoms include high temperature, upper respiratory infections, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes and body pains. The virus responds to treatment and rest in most cases, while the vaccination against the influenza is up to 70 percent effective within two weeks of vaccination. The Ministry of Health has provided free vaccinations to all its health centers for medical cadres and patients who are most susceptible.
In a statement, King Abdullah Medical City confirmed the lack of any relationship or contact between any of the infected employees and infected patients at the hospital, noting that transmission of the virus was a result of the individual being in a crowded place.
The statement further said all cases are being dealt with professionally. One patient in critical condition was isolated and provided necessary treatment, and is currently recovering after being discharged from the hospital.
The remaining cases were simple cases among employees, and did not require their admission to hospital as they were instead isolated at their homes until they fully recovered.
King Abdullah Medical City said no new cases were reported over the past week.
In the statement, King Abdullah Medical City said it is carrying out its role efficiently to combat H1N1 influenza, including dealing with patients and employees who display flu-like symptoms in order to take necessary preventative measures, as per the instructions of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
The hospital began its vaccination campaign of all its employees against the influence before the Haj season for the year 1436 AH, with 2,658 employees receiving vaccinations.
Individuals who are in contact with infected individuals are also given preventative medicine, and in the case that flu-like symptoms appear, the individual is isolated for at least one week in hospital or at home until they are in stable condition once again, as per medical test results.
During the isolation period, those around the patient are required to use preventative masks for being within one-and-a-half meters from the patient and ensure their hands remain clean.
The director of environmental health and infection control at King Abdullah Medical City, Dr. Mustafa Al-Hifnawi, confirmed the situation is under control and anti-infection measures are in place and strictly enforced, while the director of pharmaceutical services, Mohammed Al-Ghanmi, said influenza vaccinations and antibiotics are available at main pharmacies at King Abdullah Medical City.
He urged all citizens to use face masks due to the start of the Umrah season in Makkah, which may contribute to more rapid transmission of the virus with increasing numbers of pilgrims.
The infection control program at King Abdullah Medical City is one of the top programs in the region, and was evaluated by international bodies, such as the JCIA and internal bodies like the Ministry of Health’s Infection Control Department. The program was awarded an evaluation score of 98 percent, and was also praised by nongovernmental actors evaluating the program.
H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, is a seasonal flu that usually emerges during the winter and subsides by the end of February. Symptoms include high temperature, upper respiratory infections, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes and body pains. The virus responds to treatment and rest in most cases, while the vaccination against the influenza is up to 70 percent effective within two weeks of vaccination. The Ministry of Health has provided free vaccinations to all its health centers for medical cadres and patients who are most susceptible.
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