Kuwait delays kindergarten by two months over swine flu

"For those with preschoolers, foreign kindergarten schools will have its opening by September 13."

August 30, 2009
Kuwait has decided to delay the reopening of kindergartens for two months for fear of the spread of swine flu after the Gulf emirate reported over 1,000 cases, the education minister said on Sunday.

The cabinet decided at an emergency meeting on Saturday night that the measure will also affect schools for students with special needs and nurseries, while other schools will reopen on schedule in the last week of September, Mudhi al-Homud told the official Kuna news agency.

Kuwait has reported 1,336 cases of A (H1N1) influenza, four of whom have died, including a two-and-a-half-year-old girl and a pregnant woman.

The decision came after pressure from lawmakers who called on the government to delay reopening of all schools for two months after the rate of infection in the emirate picked up rapidly in the past few weeks.

About 30 MPs have signed a request to convene an emergency session of parliament next week to discuss government preparations to face the disease. They must secure the support of 33 MPs for the session to take place.

Authorities last week decided to delay reopening of kindergartens at foreign schools by two weeks until September 13.

Kuwait has invited experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to assess the situation, health ministry undersecretary Ibrahim al-Abdulhadi said, adding that the ministry has set up a special hotline and beefed up preparations for the start of the school year.

Kuwait has ample stocks of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu and has ordered 45,000 vaccines for October and another one million by the end of the year.

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Kuwait''s fifth swine flu death reported as nine year old

"An update for today that I can't miss posting."

KUWAIT, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The Health Ministry reported the fifth death of swine flu in the State of Kuwait as a nine year old boy who had suffered chronic respiratory and chest ailments.

Ministry Spokesman Dr. Yousef Al-Nisif told KUNA the boy had been in critical condition due to chronic infection of the chest and later contracted the flu. The patient was in hospital since August 22 and given treatment and care in isolation at the Intensive Care Unit, but his health still deteriorated until he passed away late last night.

Most swine flu cases in the country have recovered, he noted, and all fatalities were of people already suffering serious and chronic ailments before getting the swine flu virus. So far, recovery rate of swine flu in Kuwait stands at 99 percent and cases are reported and detected at below international rates, with most of the cases being categorized as mild. Most susceptible to the swine flu virus are children below five, pregnant women, and those with chronic ailments such as diabetes, asthma, and those with weak immune system.

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Delaying schools reopening… not effective solutions; Coordinated efforts needed to stop spread of ‘swine flu’

"For those concerned, information about school opening is here including measures to prevent spread of swine flu among students."

“CLASSES in government schools will start as scheduled on Sept 27... meanwhile, asked about measures taken to combat swine flu, Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Moudhi Al-Humoud said the joint committee of the Ministries of Health and Education had placed an effective plan to counter the spread of swine flu in schools. She explained workshops have been held for administrative staff and teachers to train them on how to measure a child’s temperature and take preventive measures. She said 120 fully-equipped clinics had been established in schools and the ministry will hold intensive swine flu awareness campaigns for parents.” (Arab Times, Aug 26, 2009).

Using rational methods such as starting awareness campaigns for students’ families, school clinics, and administrative staff are steps in the right direction. Doing otherwise, for example postponing the start of school to an indefinite time does not seem to provide effective solutions to stop the spread of swine flu. Our only option in this regard should take the form of a coordinated effort by families, schools, and relevant government departments.

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Kuwait warns against online H1N1 drug sales

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"A health care warning for everyone that is not worth taken for granted is never do self-medication. Information like this is crucial for everyone not only in Kuwait but also, for everyone around the globe."

Kuwait: August 24
Kuwait's Pharmaceutical Services Office and Poison Centre has warned the public not to buy antiviral drugs to treat swine flu via the internet without a doctor's prescription. By using such drugs, patients may increase the risk of weakening their resistance towards the virus, the Centre's Director Issam Al Baho said. He urged people to ensure an online pharmacy is legitimate before buy medicines, particularly from countries where online sales are not licensed.

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264 swine-flu cases reported during the week

"This is what I am talking about. Everyone must be sort of paranoid in public places. But then again an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Good thing information dissemination is being given importance for the public's health awareness i.e., awareness campaigns, billboards and advertisements on streets, plus sending out letters as health instructions."

"Again, I will repeat from my previous posts as a reminder. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the regular seasonal flu - high fever over 37.8, running nose, aching body, headache, sore throat, upset stomach and difficulty in breathing. People with swine flu are likely to be contagious one day before and up to seven days after they begin to show swine flu symptoms, Dr. Musaad Al-Attiyah, Head of the Pharmaceutical Department at the Contagious Diseases Hospital, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)."

Published Date: August 28, 2009
KUWAIT: The Health Ministry revealed 264 new cases of swine flu during the week, according to a health official yesterday. The number is lower than when compared to the earlier week, ministry spokesperson Yousif Al-Nisf said, indicating to a total number of 1,336, most of which have been treated. The ministry operates under the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he said.

Al-Nisf stressed the need for residents to wash hands regularly, cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, to get lots of rest, to avoid unnecessary contact with others at diwaniyas, mosques or shopping centres, and to visit the doctor when experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

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Kuwait confirms fourth swine flu death

"I know what you are probably thinking. Hard it may seem, reality is so visible so much so that it may send quivers to our spine. Swine flu virus is lurking to its course like a wolf hunting for its prey. Let's shield ourselves. We know what to do. We all need strong resistance much more for our children. And oh, listen to our instincts too."

Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Kuwait’s Ministry of Health on Wednesday confirmed a fourth death from swine flu - a non-Kuwaiti child aged two.

The child, who died Wednesday morning, had been admitted to a children’s hospital on Tuesday for other health issues, including a 'nutritional imbalance'. The young girl was subsequently put in isolation.

According to the World Health Organization, segments of society most prone to the H1N1 virus include children under the age of five, pregnant women, the elderly, obese individuals, people affected by chronic illnesses and individuals with weak immune systems.

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Kuwait confirms third swine flu death

"Here's hoping for infected AH1N1 patients to recover well in spite of conditions that might complicate their health."

25 August 2009
A Kuwaiti man infected with swine flu has died, bringing number of related deaths in the Gulf country to three.

Ministry of Health spokesman Dr Youssef Al-Nisf said the man, who died in the intensive care unit, also had very acute respiratory infections and obesity.

Al-Nisf added that the citizen was admitted to the hospital on August 17, where he was isolated and subjected to anti-viral treatment, KUNA News Agency reported.

This is the third swine-flu related case of death in Kuwait while the number of infected cases stands at 1,072.

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Kuwait confirms 2nd swine flu death

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"Sad to learn about the news lately but if not for other health conditions and complications especially respiratory infection, it wouldn't result to death."

22 August 2009
Kuwait's Health Ministry on Saturday confirmed a second death from swine flu.

Ministry spokesman Dr. Yousif Al-Nisf told KUNA that the woman, in her 20s, had a respiratory system infection in addition to being infected with the H1N1 virus.

The woman was in her eighth month of pregnancy and had a caesarean section operation carried out after being admitted to hospital on August 12.

The official also confirmed the number of infected cases now stands at 1,072, the vast majority of which have been described as mild.

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Kuwait health chiefs confirm first swine flu death

"Hope everyone does a good health care for themselves and their families."

20 August 2009
Kuwait has reported its first swine flu death, health chiefs confirmed.

A young man who was already suffering from severe pneumonia has died from the H1N1 virus, the first person in the country to succumb to the disease, Health Ministry spokesman Youssef Al-Nisf said.

The victim was Kuwaiti and aged in his twenties, KUNA News Agency reported.

More than 900 people have contracted the H1N1 virus in Kuwait but most of them have been treated and discharged from hospital, officials said.

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GCC Flu Meeting held in Kuwait/ ‘99pc Kuwait’s swine flu cases have recovered’

"A good assurance for all by Kuwait's minister of health - Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer stressed that the percentage of recovery from swine flu disease in Kuwait has exceeded 99 percent. He underlined that fatalities from seasonal flu outbreaks far exceed current fatality rates from the swine flu."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 15, (Agencies): Kuwait’s minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer affirmed on Saturday that the extraordinary GCC meeting on the swine flu was an apt opportunity to compare notes with neighboring countries on ways of preventing the spread of this disease. Speaking to reporters following the meeting, he said that the percentage of recovery from this disease in Kuwait has exceeded 99 percent, noting that the swine flu is not posing an unusually great threat in the area. He underlined that fatalities from seasonal flu outbreaks far exceed current fatality rates from the swine flu. About the meeting, Dr Al-Sayer said GCC ministers of Health discussed the latest on the swine flu and ways of enhancing the exchange of health information by GCC states. He said the ministers also reviewed what precautions to take ahead of the start of the school year in view of the spread of the swine flu in the area. On the sidelines of today’s meeting, executive director of the office for GCC ministers of health Tawfiq Khoja told KUNA that in view of the fact that the swine flu is progressively spreading in the region, it behoved officials to review precautionary measures including coordination with regional and international health organizations to check the spread of this disease.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is planning to exclude pilgrims under unlicensed Hajj caravans from the H1N1 swine flu vaccination which is expected to begin by September, 2009, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily. Moreover, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with concerned authorities, will investigate unlicensed Hajj caravans, in an effort to safeguard the health of the pilgrims. In a related incident, an estimated 45,000 swine flu vaccines are expected in the country by next month. Sources said manufacturing companies do not provide large quantity of the vaccines at a time. Spanish newspapers splashed photos on Saturday of the health minister failing to practice her own advice to avoid kissing in an H1N1 flu awareness campaign. The front pages of El Mundo and another national newspaper featured pictures of Trinidad Jimenez kissing news conference assistants twice on the cheek before she went on to warn against kissing as a way to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

Jimenez’s health campaign, launched on Friday, recommended measures such as washing hands frequently, using tissues when sneezing or coughing and avoiding kissing and sharing glasses. The news conference was held hours before the virus claimed its eleventh victim in the country, a 31-year-old woman.

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MoH ‘urged’ to provide face masks to students, teachers

"Face mask though should be worn only once and properly disposed of to prevent spread of contamination. I am crossing my fingers that swine flu wouldn't become pandemic in case, schools are considered to close by MOE."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: Ministry of Education (MoE) Undersecretary Tomadher Al-Sedarawi has asked the Ministry of Health (MoH) to distribute face masks to students and teachers at the start of the new academic year to prevent further spread of swine flu, reports Al-Anba daily. Indicating she expects MoH to equip 120 school clinics - 20 in each educational zone - with the necessary tools to combat swine flu, Al-Sedarawi asked the ministry to provide the required equipment and certain number of nurses by companies contracted to render such services. She also confirmed plans to use theaters and sports halls in schools located near the hospitals and clinics as shelters for infected persons, in coordination with MoH and Voluntary Work Center, which is currently headed by Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad. She said MoE has asked the Union of Private Schools to appoint a communications officer, who will coordinate with the team tasked to control swine flu in case of an outbreak in schools.

Al-Sedarawi disclosed MoE has also reached an agreement with the Cooperative Societies Union to provide cleaning items to schools, as part of its plan to launch a cleanliness campaign at the beginning of the new school year. She said the ministry will ensure that the schools are cleaned frequently, especially the tables to prevent any contamination. Affirming an emergency hotline will be provided for schools to immediately report swine flu cases to the health centers, Al-Sedarawi ruled out the possibility of postponing the opening of the new academic year as the ministry is keen on taking the necessary precautionary measures, along with its health counterpart, to protect the health of students, teachers and administrative staff. Revealing the ministry has started taking steps to accommodate more than 185,000 students in the next academic year, Al- Sedarawi explained the campaign includes Arabic schools and talks have also started on the possibility of providing MoE with vaccines, although the expected quantity is very minimal.

Asserting MoE will always consider the suggestions of its health counterpart to prevent the spread of swine flu, Al-Sedarawi admitted “we might consider closing down schools in case of a pandemic.” She also vowed to coordinate with other concerned officials to look into the possibility of reducing time allocated for the morning assembly to avoid crowds in schools. Commenting on Al-Sedarawi’s request to provide schools with face masks, Public Health Department Manager Dr Rashid Al-Owais pointed out this mechanism has been proven effective in other parts of the world. He clarified only doctors and nurses looking after infected patients are required to wear these masks. Confirming that MoH will provide school clinics with face masks and protective gear, stated Kuwait has ordered 45,000 vaccination injections, which will be delivered in October. Meanwhile, Chairman of Private Schools Union Omar Al-Ghareer asked MoE to coordinate closely with the cooperative societies for the supply of cleaning items at the beginning of the school year. He also urged owners of private schools to prepare quarantine rooms for suspected swine flu cases in schools prior to their transfer to the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

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Isolation wards to combat swine flu

"A sure way to minimize spread of the swine flu virus is having isolation wards in all hospitals. A good preventive measure."

Published Date: August 12, 2009

KUWAIT: Isolation wards have been established in all of Kuwait's state sector hospitals as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of swine flu, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced yesterday.

Following a meeting between health minister Dr. Helal Al-Sayer and the heads of the country's health zones, official ministry spokesman Dr. Yousif Al-Nisf explained that the step was taken to better counter the A(H1N1) virus, adding that Dr. Al-Sayer has called for increasing the efforts being made to combat the disease.

Meanwhile, another MoH official said that the ministry would pay the overtime for all those working evening shifts at local health centers. The official also affirmed that the fingerprint system would be introduced in the next few weeks to monitor staff members' commitment to observing their set working hours. - KUNA

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Six nurses, 4 doctors at Amiri catch ‘H1N1’

"Perhaps this will prompt everyone to be really careful and take proper hygiene measures to heart. So let's be certain of it. It might sound like a piece of cake but we are all in the same boat, aren't we?"

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11, (Agencies): Six nurses and four doctors working at the Al-Amiri Hospital were transferred to the Infectious Diseases Hospital, after they tested positive for Swine flu. One of the patients was said to be in critical condition. Meanwhile, management of the hospital has distributed masks to workers and visitors to avoid further spread of the disease. Isolation rooms have been set in all governmental hospitals as a counter measure to the spread of swine flu, said a statement from the Health Ministry on Tuesday. After the meeting between Health Minister Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer and heads of health areas, official ministry spokesman Dr Yousif Al-Nisf told KUNA that the step was taken to counter the A(H1N1) virus, adding that Minister Al-Sayer called for increasing efforts against the disease.

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‘No reason for worry over spread of flu’

"Swine flu scare.. Are you there? Panic is not the cure.. We have ample assurance that swine flu in Kuwait is in total control. Read on.."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10, (KUNA): Health conditions in the country are assuring and there is no reason for worry over spread of swine flu, the health minister affirmed on Monday. Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, in a statement, said the ministry has been closely monitoring the health conditions at the national level since flare-up of the infectious disease that has spread worldwide. The ministry has already contacted relevant international health agencies and has requested amounts of vaccines according to prospected needs, ahead of the forecast manufacturing of these vaccines, Dr Al-Sayer said.

Moreover, it has taken necessary precautions with a sense of responsibility since flare-up of the swine flu disease, such as installing thermal cameras at the airport, upgrading the laboratories to deal with influenza cases, securing strategic reserves of medicines, setting up an operation follow-up chamber and setting the telephone number, 132, to respond to inquiries by citizens’ about the disease and means of preventing infection. Dr Al-Sayer indicated that the Ministry of Health had formed specialized committees to cope with the spread of the disease, coordinate with the relevant health authorities and the ministries, in addition to mapping out a strategy to educate the citizens about the infectious influenza.

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Cabinet urged to take necessary measures on tackling ‘swine flu’

"Despite the increasing swine flu cases, health officials are not taking things for granted. They continue keeping things in order and improving measures to control swine flu. The private schools union will also discuss important matters regarding prevention working on a proposal to protect students and prevent outbreak of the disease in schools."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9: Reform and Development Bloc member MP Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash on Sunday asked the Cabinet to take the necessary precautionary measures to combat swine flu (H1N1 virus). Affirming that 500 or more people have been infected with swine flu in Kuwait, Al-Harbash reiterated his bloc’s proposal to postpone opening of the new academic year to prevent further spread of the virus. “According to international health organizations, the virus might spread at an alarming rate at the beginning of the new academic year. The Ministry of Health (MoH) must immediately take the necessary precautions, such as delaying the opening of the new academic year, which should not be a point of debate among officials at the Ministry of Education (MoE). This step requires careful planning to ensure the safety of our nation,” Al-Harbash opined. Criticizing the Cabinet for its failure to launch additional public awareness campaigns, Al-Harbash argued such campaigns will greatly contribute in trimming down the number of swine flu cases in the country. He asserted the bloc is closely monitoring the Cabinet’s actions, particularly those related to this pandemic.

Agencies add:

The Union of Private Schools is working on a proposal that discusses the prevention of swine flu in foreign private schools in the new semester beginning Aug 20, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting reliable sources. According to the sources, the union will submit this proposal to representatives at the Ministry of Health during a meeting scheduled to be held on Aug 12. The meeting will be attended by owners and principals of private schools, and will discuss the proposal. The sources added if the Ministry approves the proposal, it will be circulated to all schools. The source pointed out the report includes precautionary steps to be taken by school administrations to protect students and prevent an outbreak of the disease. They also said issuing vaccinations in Arab and foreign schools is an important precautionary measure.

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No school closures planned due to Swine flu

"For all those concerned, classes will still resume on the day school opens. Stay in direct contact with your school also for specific information you need."

Fahad Al Gais, the education assistant undersecretary for private education at Kuwait's Ministry of Education, has said it will not postpone the new academic year amid concerns that there could be a high number of swine flu cases in private schools, attended mostly by foreign pupils, Gulf News has reported. Swine flu has not reached proportions that would warrant the option to leave schools closed and postpone their opening, he said.

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H1N1 fears limit Hajj; 43 more cases

"Don't neglect this news. If possible read the rest of the story. Yes, it's true. Proper hygiene and never ever panic. There is more to life than that. Increasing awareness definitely helps one way or another. In spite of increasing swine flu cases in the country, a special team is being planned to be formed by MOH to take charge of effective strategies and intensifying efforts in carrying out excellent measures to combat this disease."

Kuwait, Aug 5:

Forty-three new swine flu cases were confirmed by the health ministry on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases infected with the virus to 429. Earlier, the ministry’s spokesman Dr Yousef Al-Nisf told KUNA that most cases recovered and were back to normal life.

The ministry is currently implementing in-house treatment for those patients with minimum symptoms and will continue to monitor developments on the disease, the spokesman added.

“Around 99 percent of the 429 swine flu (H1N1 virus) cases that have been discovered in Kuwait are curable, and some of the patients were discharged from the hospital immediately after the doctors took saliva swabs since they don’t require treatment,” said Minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer at press conference Wednesday. Reaffirming the ministry’s readiness to handle the issue, Al-Sayer admitted the number of cases has continued to increase due to the arrival of citizens and expatriates who spent their summer holidays abroad. He said the ministry will update the public on the number of new cases weekly, rather than daily — similar to what is currently done in other countries — to assuage fears of a possible swine flu outbreak in the country. “We remain true to our commitment to be transparent in handling this problem. We intend to announce the actual number of infected persons weekly to avoid spreading panic among the people. We will also reveal facts in case of death,” he asserted.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the parliamentary Health Affairs Committee, Al-Sayer urged citizens and residents to maintain personal hygiene. “The virus spreads through sneezing, so we should cover our mouths while sneezing to prevent transmission. It is also important to wash our hands regularly,” he said. Pointing out that there is no reason to panic as previous studies have shown the virus is weak, Al-Sayer called on the parliamentarians to cooperate with the ministry in fighting the disease, “rather than issuing statements that might cause panic”. He confirmed the ministry has been taking the necessary precautionary measures since April and it is fully equipped to deal with worst-case scenarios. “We have enough medicines for citizens and residents. We are also prepared for the pilgrimage season and opening of the new academic year,” he added.

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49 new puts H1N1s at 314

"Whew! How quick the count rises in number."


KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3, (KUNA): Twenty new swine flu cases were announced here Monday evening, bringing the total number to 314 cases. Earlier in the morning 29 swine flu cases were reported bringing the whole day’s total of new cases to 49. Health Ministry spokesman Dr Yuusef Al-Nesif told KUNA that the ministry had approved of home treatment for mild infection cases in accordance with WHO guidelines, adding that most cases had recovered and now are living their normal lives. Kuwait’s swine flu patients are mostly aged 16-35, the spokesman said, adding that the ministry was taking all required measures to contain the disease in the country.

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**STARTLING NEW EVIDENCE THAT 'SWINE FLU' PANDEMIC IS MAN-MADE

"We are in the dog days of summer and so is this swine flu scare. This article is another controversial issue for me. Is swine flu pandemic man-made? I know, I am not in a position to judge. I just want to share this with you before I hit the sack. Well, do you count your chickens before they hatch?"

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‘Delay school for H1N1 vaccine’; 54 new cases

"Be informed but be cautious as well. In two weeks time, it will be Ramadan. I shared some tips found in the archive. The best thing to do is good hygiene measures. I'm a hundred percent sure we'll do fine."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 2: Some 54 new swine flu cases were reported by Kuwait on Sunday, taking the country’s total number of patients up to 265, the Ministry of Health said. As their health conditions are not serious, the new cases have been allowed to receive necessary medication at home, the ministry’s spokesman Yussef Al-Nesif told KUNA. Most swine flu cases in Kuwait have been discharged from hospital following full recovery. Kuwait’s swine flu patients are mostly aged 16-35, the spokesman said, adding that the ministry was taking all required measures to contain the disease in the country. The world has yet to find an effective way to combat swine flu, while the number of cases in Kuwait and its neighboring countries has continued to escalate at an alarming rate, MP Dr Faisal Al-Muslim said Sunday.

Pointing out the current bed capacity at the Infectious Diseases Hospital is not enough to accommodate the growing number of swine flu patients in Kuwait, Al-Muslim asked the government to intensify its media awareness campaign to inform the public about recent developments regarding the virus, particularly its nature, prevention and treatment. He urged the concerned authorities to postpone opening of the new academic year until the arrival of swine flu vaccines and adopt a clear stand in accordance with the recommendations of Arab Health Ministers regarding those who intend to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan. He advised the Ministry of Health (MoH) to speed up implementation of informative programs, such as teaching Hajj caravan owners how to deal with this disease.

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Panel to discuss suspension of classes over ‘swine flu threat’

"Be aware. School children and teenagers are the vulnerable ones."

KUWAIT CITY, July 31: Manager of Epidemic Control Department at the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Rapporteur of the Joint Higher Committee for Swine Flu Control Dr Musab Al-Saleh has revealed the higher and technical committees will discuss in its next meeting a proposal to suspend classes if the number of swine flu cases in the country escalates to an unprecedented level at the start of the new academic year, reports Al-Dar daily. Clarifying the Ministry of Education (MoE) is not ruling out the possibility of suspending classes as the situation is expected to get worse, Al-Saleh stressed the MoH is ready to face any possible outbreak in schools. He said the ministry has tightened measures at the entry points to monitor the health condition of those who will return from their summer holidays abroad, affirming employees assigned at the entry points have been instructed to postpone their holidays. He added the government has allocated a budget of KD 5 million for combating swine flu.

From source: