Update 2: Five new swine flu cases - three in Gharb

Kenneth Cassar

Jul 8th 2009, 08:28

@ D Vella:

You have as much chance of getting swine flu from a priest holding the eucharist during mass exactly as much as you have the chance of contracting swine flu from the food or drink (or other customers) you get in a restaurant or bar (or the bus, or the workplace).

While all health precautions should be taken, we must not be alarmist. And please note that I have no hidden agenda to defend attendance of mass. I am an atheist and don't go to Church except on occasions such as weddings and funerals.

R.Zahra

Jul 8th 2009, 00:12

I really don't know what the panic is... in the UK, they are now treating swine flu as a common flu and not giving mediation unless it is deemed serious.. this is taken from the BBC website: 'The NHS London spokesman said: "Once again we wish to take this opportunity to remind the public that for most people this is a minor illness and that they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E. ' the excess use of tamiflu is only going to make the virus more resistant and therefore more dangerous! lets not create mass hysteria!

Daniela Lia

Jul 7th 2009, 15:51

Although we have to go to work and attend mass, it does not automatically mean that we ignore the risks of such events in spreading the swine flu. I am a pregnant woman who barely can take any medicines. Therefore I would appreciate a lot if my colleagues avoid places such MTV concert, and should refrain places where there will other pregnant woman. Authorities should avoid concerts and other activities to reduce the risk of swine flu in Malta. It does not mean that we have to do just the same as the other countries are still doing.

Paul Asciak

Jul 7th 2009, 15:24

Listen People, this is a matter of a personal choice (regarding going to the isle of MTV). Obviously, going to this concert means there is a higher risk of getting infected, but as many mentioned, even riding on a public bus could lead to one having swine flu although with a lesser chance of getting infected. I am posting to just telling you guys posting, to stop suggesting that life should not continue normaly because of swine flu...what the hell. It's the choice of the person what to do, one cannot say to stop masses!! After all it's in the hands of God that we rely on when problems arise. Everyone has his personal opinion what to do for himself....I will probably go to the Isle of MTV because it's probably a one time opportunity that I think I shouldn't miss. I will be careful of myself, I think I am mature enough to decide what is good for myself.

Eileen Scanlon

Jul 7th 2009, 13:22

Regarding receiving holy communion someone said dont take it in the mouth,does it matter really as its still going from hand to hand,no matter what way its distributed. Its just a difficult situation this swine flu

Maria Whitehead

Jul 7th 2009, 13:06

The first vaccination against swine flu is currently being tested by Novartis and will be available around september or october. May I just clarify that the virus is nothing more than a new type of flu. The World Health Organisation placed containment practices simply to try and refrain a new type of flu from existing. The current status is not containment anymore but treatment which means the number of infected people are so that there is nothing more to do than accept its existence and treat it. So, to those that have it.. congratulations you have the perfect antibodies to minimise your risk of getting it again... to those who dont.... just wait for another year. I'm not a doctor and dont pretend to know a whole lot more than what I've been told so all welcome to correct the information I have.

D Vella

Jul 7th 2009, 09:54

Mr Masini. @ others

Take a read of today's(Tuesday) letter's re Communion and swine flu...at the risk of blowing my own trumpet it's further justification to my earlier comment. The priest,of course, is front line and if he's has the symptoms,it's likely that he will pass it on to his congregation and importantly, his communicant's. Time to change your opinion?.

J Agius

Jul 7th 2009, 09:51

No need for alarm yet the virus spread during a village feast in a small community in Gozo. Let alone at a Grand Music Festival!!!. It is not an issue for being alarmist but I feel we need to deliver the message to be vigilant more strongly. I am sure the authorities know what they’re doing, however the problem can get easily out of hand.

A Camilleri

Jul 7th 2009, 08:44

I would like to ask whether a person who has got the swine flu and eventually recovered fully would be immune to future contacts with persons infected with the same strain of flu.

Jonathan Spiteri

Jul 7th 2009, 08:34

Updated data of all worldwide swine flu cases, including Malta, can be found on the WHO's Disease Outbreak News page: http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/ (click on the most recent date shown).

chris vidal

Jul 7th 2009, 08:18

Seeing the comments here, one thinks that it is the bubonic plague. this is simply a new strain of influenza, a disease that affects millions of people and also kills each year. For all those people that want to close all places, is this a normal practice in Malta when the yearly influenza hits the island? Also by closing everything it is already known that nothing is going to hold the spread of this influenza. sure not. so come on, looking at statistics at least until now this strain is not that dangerous as it was initially feared to be. If it happens that it changes then the situation will be different. There are a lot of other dangerous and common diseases that the Maltese people need to be aware of and unfortunately even if they are, little or nothing is done to protect themselves. I am mostly referring to the sexually transmitted diseases which some of them are even life threatening.
also regarding the influenza vaccine, it takes time for it to be developed and so it is not something that is done from one day to the next.

D Vella

Jul 7th 2009, 06:46

@Mr Masini and others.

For the simple reason,that publicity has already been given to all the venues you mention, not only in this newspaper,but in all other media as well. The best the Church has come up with is Communion by hand only.A crowd is a crowd whether that be in a Church or at a Concert especially in an enclosed space. If you are looking for a devil Mr Masini,look elsewhere,angels live here:)

M Bonello

Jul 6th 2009, 23:36

It seems there is quite a lot of confusion.

There are 2 types of Influenza Virus, Type A and Type B. Swine Flu is a Type A influenza and its characterisitcs are H1N1. That it is why it is called Flu H1N1.

With regards to the reason why it is affecting younger people, this is unfortunately is a characteristic of most pandemic flu. If one looks at the Spanish Flu in 1918, most of the deaths were in the so called young people rather than the older generation and the newborns. (there was an issue that it was post world war 1) Similar thing happened in the other pandemic flus.

The reason for this is yet unknown, and is still something modern science is trying to find out. A hypothesis is that healthier individuals can mount a stronger systemic response to the virus, and thus have more symptoms of infection. (they can sort of over-react to a small stimulus.)

Also gastric flu is usually Nora Virus a completely different virus from influenza Virus. Its lay term is just wrongly called gastric flu.

D. Xerri

Jul 6th 2009, 22:26

Is it possible that in such a talk with who`s concerned mostly about Swine-Flu in our country like this video clip here - the one making questions doesnt ask the Million Dollar Question ??
Dr Mr Member of Parliament that is in charge of the Swine Flu situation in Malta Would You Suggest YES OR NO that since we are 48 hrs ahead of the biggest event of the year in Malta - People should still attend or no ? Dear Dr Mr Member of Parliament if You have your own children would you let them go to ISLE OF MTV on Wednesday Yes or No ?? seeing that W.H.O. has long suggested that people should avoid crowded places go figure a venue that would hold around 60,000 tightly together breathing and sweating touching eachother.

Neville Calleja

Jul 6th 2009, 22:21

@ S Camilleri, J Busuttil

Please note that this is standard WHO practice to give the total cumulative number.

No-one should underestimate this infection - particularly those found positive. Apparently, one of the original cases has been seen at the beach on Sunday - less than 7 days after diagnosis. It is important that these cases act responsibly and follow the quarantine advice to the letter for the health of their loved ones, if anything.

Ernest Vella

Jul 6th 2009, 22:20

and the concert still is going to be held....I only hope that who said there is no risk or reason to alarm to be held responsable...transmission person to person is something serious in my humble opinion

Alfred Cassar

Jul 6th 2009, 21:42

Din influwenza mhux kolera ta!!!! Ghoggieba!!! Ghax ma tissakrux go bozz u tohorgu minnha sentejn ohra

Anthony Grech

Jul 6th 2009, 21:40

@ D.Vella.
If ever there was an apprpriate time to keep our churches open this is it.

A. Borg

Jul 6th 2009, 21:37

Edwin Abela,
To compare the MTV concert with a gathering of three it is ridiculous but for your knowledge these artists cancelled their tours because of the swine flu.
Akon postpones concerts over swine flu.
Jonas Brothers Push Back Concert Over Swine Flu Concerns.
Swine Flu Causes Concert Cancellations In Mexico.
Young Jeezy Postpones Concert Over Swine Flu Concerns.
Cornelius concert tour felled by swine flu and so on.
I think they knew whar they were doing.
.

Melvin Tonna

Jul 6th 2009, 20:24

Is it me or the number of Swine Flu cases in Malta is prevailing at a faster rate? I mean...we've been like this for less than a week if I'm not mistaken...and we already have 24 cases of people infected with Swine Flu...

Joseph Masini

Jul 6th 2009, 20:20

@ Adrian Borg and Michael Vella:

How right you are! Every place is closed, and Mr. Vella- the virus can affect you even through the air that you breathe every second... the virus is airborne in other words- so please I suggest that you make the right research before jumping into fast conclusions on just one place, which is sacred and loved by many in Malta.

Joseph Masini

Jul 6th 2009, 20:16

@ Kyle Cilia:

The Government has ordered a large amount of vaccines expected to arrive in January 2010. Althought it really seems late, we are amongst the first who will get these vaccines. One has to remember that the virus is new and therefore a vaccine must be developed from scratch.

Joseph Mercieca

Jul 6th 2009, 20:08

@Edwin Abela -.... Edwin, please note that some foreigners lived in Malta for quite a while (more than 1 yr). Your tactic is good but I think it's too much in a way! The Quest is simple - avoid crowds and especially places like St. Julians since it's time for tourists to come in!

ALSO I believe that AIRPORTS should be monitored with Heat Cameras (well, some kinda infra-red device). After all, the 1st case in TURKEY came into attention through their cameras...!

PERHAPS ONE EASY METHOD IS THIS: Those intending to travel must first have a doctor checkup before leaving the country. Afterwards, doctor issues report to patient for further evidence. This should be implemented internationally.

Gordon Pace

Jul 6th 2009, 20:03

Dear All,

Kindly note that the main message is quite direct - if you feel sick, please stay at home and contact your doctor, or the heath authorities on helpline 2132 4086.

If we all follow this the number of cases can be contained as much as possible. However we need to act responsibly towards each other

Best regards
Gordon Pace
Communications Coordinator
Parliamentary Secretariat for the Elderly and Community Care

James A. Tyrrell

Jul 6th 2009, 19:59

@Ludwig Flask. Swine Flu can be transmitted by coughing and sneezing so in that respect it can be transmitted by the wind. Over what distance it would be transmitted I can't say. It can be transmitted by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose so yes that would include things like library books. The same thing would be true of public transport if the virus were on a seat or a handrail.

Basically don't touch anything outside the home and then touch your nose or mouth and you should be okay. If you want to be positive then clean your hands regularly and maybe carry some little alcohol wipes in your pocket.

With regard to age it is not age specific as such although older people are at less of a risk of catching the disease due to the fact that they have encountered similar strains in the past and their bodies have built up immunity. Because younger people don’t have this luxury they are more susceptible to catching swine flu.

James Grech

Jul 6th 2009, 19:55

Some bloggers are saying so what? if I get the flu its only human and that its not "that deadly", so do whatever you like. I think that such arguments come from irresponsible people and people that lack maturity. Authorities need to make people like theses aware that even though this is not a fatal type of virus, they still need to take precautions and not live their lives as if nothing is going on. Alarming people is not right, but ignoring everything as if nothing is happening is worst.

Katherine Potter

Jul 6th 2009, 19:53

Yes Mr.Psaila i will certainly not be seen anywhere near the MTV stands thats for sure, i am taken the Health warning advice and refrain from standing near people coughing and sneezing and spreading the Germs unless there is someone flogging Face Masks and follow MJ example, he must have had some form of a 6th sense as he used to wear a mask everywhere this guy went, at least he got something right.

Steve Vassallo

Jul 6th 2009, 19:53

Because of last week's feast in Gharb, I have heard that there are already a number of people infected with Swine Flu.
A few friends of mine attended this feast and today have been confirmed by doctors that they are infected.
We can barely do anything about this, since too many people are taking this virus with a pinch of salt and do not care whether they get infected or not. Because of this, they are being infected and infecting their friends and family.

I agree with Mr. Vella here, people should avoid attending mass if they wish to not get infected with this virus.

John Arrigo

Jul 6th 2009, 19:50

Steve Borg, please do your reading before coming to state made up facts. Swine flu is not like any other flu because it has a higher mortality rate. Now you will probably state that the seasonal flu kills many people every year. However, it infects alot of people, and only kills a small percentage, and deaths are usually due to complications and immune supression. H1N1 has a mortality rate of 6%......so please, don't come being a Mr knowitall and slap around made up facts.

G.Debono

Jul 6th 2009, 19:48

D.Vella
You are panicking my friend.
So - don't go to buy anything including food, since the money change you get could have been handled by an infected person.

Don't of course go to the supermarket because the products you browse could have been browsed by the someone infected by the A-H1N1.

Even if you start panicking what are you going to do jump and down and sing La Traviata ?

This is an influenza. Your body is perfectly capable of fighting it off. Of course always under doctors visit and orders.
How many times have you taken the seasonal shot for the influenza in Nov? Probably most would say few times or never....and you weren't panicking when the influenza came by in winter, so why panic now, when you have the authorities highly on the alert and doctors treating you immediately (when case is probably confirmed) with Tamiflu.

No - go to church and say a goodbye prayer for the H1N1 virus cause its more threatened by your immune system than it threatens you. Live man and cheer up !

Miriam Buttigieg

Jul 6th 2009, 19:47

Never mind about Gozo being a tourist zone, i think we are going to see a considerable less people from Malta and overseas visiting our island, being small i think maybe there is a SMALL*risk however from people outside Gozo spreading the virus. but i for one am not taken any chances and staying wround my territory till we get the all clear, as it happens it is riseing and thats not a good sign, ofcourse others have a different opinion, but thats not my problem its entirely theirs, its a free country as long as the visitors keep away from me and my family. Thanyou verymuch.

S.Anastasi

Jul 6th 2009, 19:43

The authorities should be responsible enough as to put off the Isle of MTV concert. It is not fair on everybody. If it's still on, strongheaded youngsters attend this concert and mix up with foreigners and other Maltese, with the result that if local transmission is on, definitely, some, if not many will acquire the A H1N1 virus......... They will be returning to their homes, infecting their families.............and the pandemic blasts........is this seriousness from the authorities?

Sean Camilleri

Jul 6th 2009, 19:41

Why are the numbers constantly on the raise? When are we going to start removing the persons that are cured or is this some tactic to great panic? Soon in a few weeks they will tell us there are a few hundreds but about 75% of them will be cured. If the Authorities are providing these numbers they should include this information.

Joseph Masini

Jul 6th 2009, 19:38

@ D. Vella: I don't think that telling people to refrain going to mass is a great idea- why churches? Why not discos, pubs, cinemas, thatres, and the grocer behind the corner? They are all public places, they are all crowded, and they are all closed spaces. Why only churches Mr. Vella?

Kyle Cilia

Jul 6th 2009, 19:35

everyone is talking about this swine flu..I'm very glad that the maltese doctors are handle this problem very good but I'm a little bit disappointed because there's some facts that are not being told like: they said that the type of swine flu in malta is type A ,thus this means that there are other types?? if yes which are the most dangerous types..but the other fact is when does the vaccine for the swine flu is going to release

Edwin Abela

Jul 6th 2009, 19:34

@ Bernice Bruno & E. Psaila... How right you are. But let's not just stop at the MTV shindig with goodness knows how many foreigners there will be, spreading disease and worse. Here's a five point plan to eradicate this virus from Malta once and for all. First off, NO PUBLIC GATHERINGS of more than three people, and only if these are pure-bred Maltese (carry IDs/passports at all times). For three months we'll cancel all festas, concerts, parties, outdoor events, passiggjati fuq il-front, sports events, cultural, political gatherings etc. Moreover, all beaches are to be closed, as should all restaurants, bars, churches, clubs, hotels, schools etc. For three months all places of work (employing three people or more) should be closed down too and the premises vigorously fumigated. We'll see how teleworking really works!. Finally.... Close down all the ports and airport for three months minimum so that all those thousands of foreigners and tourists will not sully our isles with their infectious diseases (- Not that there'll be anything for them to visit while they're here anyways!). Let's try it out guys... it'll work. Promise!

J Pisani

Jul 6th 2009, 19:26

@D Vella Why are churches first in the list to be closed down? Why do you suggest that people should be asked to refrain from attending mass? It seems that we make the most to target religious activities whenever some sort of "crisis" crops up. A good number of entertainment spots are situated in enclosed areas. So on the same grounds, cinemas, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, should also be asked to close down!! I am sure that the H.E. the Archbishop would be first to provide guidance and instructions to all the faithful had the situation to deteriorate in such way as to require that churches are kept shut. I do not believe that we are in a position to offer such advice.

Kyle Cilia

Jul 6th 2009, 19:22

everyone is talking about this swine flu..I'm very glad that the maltese doctors are handle this problem very good but I'm a little bit disappointed because there are some important factors that are not being told like : the type of the A(h1N1) in malta they said that we have type A ,those this mean that there is more types of the swine flu?? If yes which is the most dangerous...and after all the most important thing is that when the vacine agains this flu is doing to release..

m farrugia

Jul 6th 2009, 19:18

It is hoped that after all our doctors are knowledgeable enough to be able to identify this flu. What about the recent spate of gastric flu ( as doctors are referring to it), if it is infact gastric flu, spreading over the island. It is hoped that this has nothing to do with swine flu, diarrhea and vomitting are two symptoms being associated with the swine flu. And worse still, company doctors rushingly send you to work the day after, what is if it swine flu and you are working with susceptible people such as pregnant women?? Now it is time that doctors, particularly company doctors, give clear explanations to their patients and act in the best interest of the patients and not please employers, as spreading of the virus from workplaces, which are often not even adequately ventilated, can have disastrous effects.

Noel Scerri

Jul 6th 2009, 19:13

So a simple village feast caused 3 infections as far as we know. What about the Isle of MTV? @Roy C I agree that life must go on, but precautions need to be taken. In my opinion the Isle of MTV is going to be one of the main causes of a major spread. This is only my humble opinion and I am not attending that one for surely. If you agree with me then do not go, if you do not then go.

Adrian Borg

Jul 6th 2009, 19:06

@ D Vella ... Let's pull down the public transport as well (not that it's a bad idea), let's close down the Mosque as well. Schools will not open again in October until we're sure that the pandemic has passed (which might amount to years not months). Let's close paceville as well, as well as all other localities such as Gianpula, Numero Uno etc. Let's close down restaurants and heavily crowded shopping centres. And the list goes on ... (!!!)

Jason Coleiro

Jul 6th 2009, 19:00

Ok listen to this as i have noticed it in other airports and not eu ones.I work in a north african place so i travel a lot between here and there.At the airport people in white with masks handle you out leaflets to fill out if you have had any flu or a normal cold plus that and this is important while you are going in you pass in front of an infrared camera so if you have even a minimal symptom they will pick you up and quarintine you to test you.This we are talking Africa not EU ladies and gentlemen and cases here are rare.I myself had to be injected with all the necessary treatments to get in this country to get permit to get in so can at least the authorities take note and get serious about it?ok its only 24 out of 400000 but day after day its growing at a 50% rate.I already am paying for the problem because there are rumors that if i come to malta i wont be able to come back until all clear. Authorities please wake up and do something not just stare at the ceiling protect us citizens.

v.pulis

Jul 6th 2009, 18:58

Since all the infected persons are being treated at home it stands to reason that sooner or later their next of kin living in the same household will most probably become infected. Are these people being monitored? Are they going out to shop or to work? Are the authorities still of the same opinion about The isle of MTV event? The cases seem to be widespread from Fgura to sliema to naxxar to gozo and are not contained to one area of the island. how is this explained? let us take one example of how people make contact without realising it. You board a bus. You hold onto the rail. You pay the driver he gives you change and a ticket. you sit and put your hand on the seat railing infront of you. you push the button to get off. without giving it much tought you have made contact with other persons every time you touched something on the bus. The same scenario takes place when you go to the supermarket, when you open doors you lifts etc. I am not being alarmist just stating facts.

C. Marsh

Jul 6th 2009, 18:42

L-aqwa li Isle of MTV mhix ser inħasruħ, għax inkella nkunu ħlejna il-FLUS !!!!! Mela festa f'rahal zgħir diġa erbgħa każi aħseb u ara dawk iż-żgħażagh kollha kulħadd maffeġġ fuq xulxin fuq il-Fosos.

Joseph E Briffa

Jul 6th 2009, 18:41

@Busuttil....the number of new cases will keep being totted up..there is no reduction when a patient gets over it...a case is a case and will always remain a case irrespective of the outcome.

Albert J Mifsud

Jul 6th 2009, 18:40

Evidence suggests that seasonal flu vaccine has limited, if any, protection against H1N1v strain. See Centres for Communicable Disease Control website. However, Mr Caruana, good point made. The current hypothesis suggests that current strain is similar to a strain that circulated extensively in late 50s, early 60s.

Michael Vella

Jul 6th 2009, 18:35

@ E. Psaila, D. Vella & B. Bruno Do you expect us to all live in cubicles and not move out. Should we go to work, or should we not get out of our little cubicle? I love to see how people create a storm in a tea cup over something like this. If you read into H1N1, you will see that it is far less deadly than the normal flu contracted in the winter months...so pointless stirring up a panic about this and get on with your normal routine. And yes i will be going to the MTV concert and also to Mass and also if need be to the pharmacy to buy myself a packet of Uniflu.

Ludwig Flask

Jul 6th 2009, 18:32

Can swine flu be transmitted by wind? Can swine flu be transmitted by books lent from public libraries? Can swine flue be transmitted from public transport? Swine flu virus is attacking persons in an age group below 40 - is this age specific?

Steve Borg

Jul 6th 2009, 18:28

Why, oh why do we have to be different? There are thousands of mass gatherings around the world right now, there are concerts everywhere, swine flu is raging in practically every country and here we are with our knickers in a twist, demanding the cancellation of concerts and Mass, just in case somebody sneezes. Do yourselves a favour - before you think it's the end of the world, just take note of the number of fatalities around the world and you'll realise that this flu is no different to the other seasonal ones we get every year.

Joseph Mercieca

Jul 6th 2009, 18:23

It's gonna be too late after the Isle of MTV Event! Indeed this new contagion happened in a little Gozitan feast, so imagine in bigger feasts or better events where 1) a lot of locals attend & 2) a lot of tourists attend as well (as it used to happen in the past years). Nobody will prevent these events and festas. Prevention must come only from YOU! It's all about 'common sense' and concern for yourself and your closest persons!

Roy C

Jul 6th 2009, 18:11

Life must go on as normal as possible

Maurice Caruana

Jul 6th 2009, 18:08

Has anybody asked whether any of the confirmed cases had received the flu jab administered this year or whether the jab does offer any protection at all against the H1N1 virus? I am asking because it seems that the virus is attacking persons in an age group (below 40, mainly) who may have not acquired some form of limited protection (immunity).

Bernice Bruno

Jul 6th 2009, 17:54

E. Psaila 100% agree.
We're in the second phase now,the disease is now being locally transmitted.

D Vella

Jul 6th 2009, 17:28

this goes to follow.Churches are crowded places too ,and moreover it is an enclosed space. People should be told to refrain from attending Mass . Communion by hand is not enough

E. Psaila

Jul 6th 2009, 17:27

...3 cases from a small village feast..expect an increase in number towards the end of the week after the Isle of MTV concert...

jbusuttil

Jul 6th 2009, 17:25

I hope that when all these individuals are fully cured the numbers start being deducted from the total and not always adding up.