The Novel Virus

Current situation

Since March 2009, a novel strain of

influenza A (H1N1) virus has been

identified, which is being described

as a new subtype of the Influenza

virus A, not previously detected in

swine or humans.

A Mongrel virus!Pigs, birds and human beings are infected

with many types of influenza viruses, but

usually these viruses infect only one

species.

Sometimes these viruses swap genes,

creating new viruses that can infect more

than one species.

This novel strain of influenza virus contains a

combination of swine, avian, and human

influenza virus genes.

Geographical distributionGeographical distribution

1

5

2

3

4

6

1 No viruses circulating among animals reported to cause infection in humans

2 Animal influenza virus known to have caused infection in humans,

3 Animal influenza virus has caused infection in small clusters of people, but no human to human transmission has occurred

4 Verified human-to-human transmission of the animal flu virus able to cause “community-level outbreaks.”

5 Human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region.A strong signal that a pandemic is imminent

6 A global pandemic is under way

The World Health Organization uses a six-phased approach as an indication of risk to global health.

Are similar to the symptoms of

regular human flu Runny nose Sore throat Cough Fever (≥ 38 C) Body ache Vomiting & diarrhoea Difficulty in breathing Pneumonia

Symptoms

Transmission

Mainly through the air by coughing or sneezing, which

generates droplets in the surrounding air.

Transmission

These respiratory droplets can also get

deposited on surfaces,or on to objects by

contaminated hands.

A person touching these objects collects the

viruses and can get infected if the mouth,

nose, or eyes are touched without washing

hands.

Transmission

There is no risk of

infection from this

virus by consuming

well-cooked pork and

pork products.

Incubation period:the time interval between invasion

of the body by the virus and the appearance of the

first symptom. Usually 1 to 4 days.

Infectious period:the time during which an infected

person can spread the disease to another person.

Up to 7 days following onset of illness, or until all

symptoms have resolved.

Treatment

Antivirals for the treatment of infection:

•Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or

• Zanamivir (Relenza)

Use of anti-virals can make illness milder and recovery faster

They may also prevent serious flu complications

For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms)

HOWEVER…..

Antivirals will be used as per guidelines laid down in

the National Preparedness Plan.

Self medication is strongly discouraged.

Misuse of antivirals can lead to drug resistance.

Will be needed for preempting the initial stage of the epidemic

Prevention Those who have influenza Cover the nose and mouth when

coughing or sneezing, with a tissue if possible, then dispose the tissue in the trash after use.

Wash hands immediately after coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of the virus from the hands to other people.

Limit contact with others to prevent spread of infection.

Environmental cleaning. Seek advice from a health professional.

PreventionThose who are well Avoid close contact with people who

appear unwell and have fever and cough Wash hands frequently with soap and

water Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with

unwashed hands Clean hard surfaces such as table tops,

door handles and taps regularly using a normal cleaning product.

Reduce as much as possible the time spent in crowded settings

Ensure good ventilation in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.

Palm to palm

The back of the hands

In between the fingers

The back of the fingers

The thumbs

The tips of the fingers

Six steps of Handwashing

What is being done at the MOHQL

Surveillance of incoming passengers from high risk

countries has been reinforced at the Port and the

Airport, including the airport at Plaine Corail and

the harbor in Port Mathurin in Rodrigues.

What is being done at the MOHQL All passengers from countries with confirmed

cases of Influenza A H1N1 are being followed up

for a period of seven days after their arrival in

Mauritius.

isolation facilities have been provided in each

hospital to cater for suspected cases of Avian Flu.

In addition, fully equipped isolation wards have

been set up at Souillac Hospital and in Rodrigues.

What is being done at the MOHQL• Presently, enough stock of Oseltamivir [Tamiflu] is

available to cater for 13% of the population, and arrangements are under way to procure more stock so that this coverage is extended to 25% of the population.

• A Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] machine required for diagnosis of Influenza A virus, is being purchased. This will enable analysis of specimens from suspected Influenza cases. In the meantime, specimens for confirmatory tests will be referred to the WHO Influenza Reference Laboratory in London for identification of strain.

• Arrangements are being made for the procurement of a stock of personal protective equipment and other consumables.

What is being done at the MOHQL An extensive Communication Strategy is being

carried out to sensitise the population and to make

them aware about the actions being taken by the

MoHQL.

Partnerships have been established with key

stakeholders to enlist their support in the campaign

against this new disease

How can you help? Spread the message to all staff and employees in your

organisation.

Help the Ministry in its communication strategy.

Arrange for training sessions for employees. Resource

persons from the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life

are at your disposal.

Put in place a preparedness plan for your

organisation.

Stock some amounts of antivirals and masks.

THANK YOU