H1N1 “swine flu” virus outbreak in Ethiopia

By HornAffairs

HornAffairs has learnt H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak has been detected in Addis Ababa.

The virus has been detected this week in Yekatit 12 hospital, Tikur Anbesa (Black Lion) hospital and Ras Desta hospital, a health specialist told HornAffairs on condition of anonymity.

The Ministry of Health have not announced the matter yet. However, sources in the ministry say the subtype of the influenza detected in Addis Ababa is less dangerous than others and Ethiopia has testing and treating capabilities.

Yet, test samples are sent to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of United States for further investigation as a matter precaution, according to HornAffairs sources.

Multiple cases have been detected so far and a couple of deaths have occurred. Sources say the deceased were TB and diabetes patients whose resistance had been weakened.

According to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “H1N1 is a flu virus. When it was first detected in 2009, it was called “swine flu” because the virus was similar to those found in pigs. The H1N1 virus is currently a seasonal flu virus found in humans.”

The CDC says, typical influenza symptoms include fever with abrupt onset, chills, sore throat, non-productive cough and, often accompanied by headache, coryza, myalgia and prostration. It could become fatal mainly to the elderly and to individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases.

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