May Baku schools be closed due to “swine flu” threat?

The neighboring countries - Russia, Turkey and Georgia - have already reported dozens of "swine flu” (A/H1N1) cases.

The virus has already claimed several lives in Russia and Turkey. Several schools were closed in Russia because of the "swine flu". Recently, “swine flu” was revealed in 11 secondary schools in Ankara. As a result, mayor of the Turkish capital issued a decree to combat avian influenza A/H1N1 under which a week-long quarantine was declared in all schools in the capital from Oct. 26.

Fortunately, Azerbaijan, with exception of two cases, have not yet registered new cases of "swine flu". I wonder what measures are taken in the country to prevent penetration of the virus A/H1N1 to the territory of Azerbaijan? Is there a danger of spread of the virus in the country in the autumn and winter period?

"Specialists of the Sanitary Quarantine Inspection are working at the border checkpoints in emergency mode. Currently, the virus A/H1N1 has not been revealed in the territory of Azerbaijan.

“The virus was previously imported to the country from abroad. To prevent the virus in Azerbaijan’s, border controls should be further strengthened as a first step. In the case of suspicion of "swine flu", a person must be isolated from others,” Deputy Director of the Republican Anti-Plague Station Shair Gurbanov said.

“Currently, the health centers in country’s regions are well-equipped to resist the virus, and operate in accordance with the decree of the Ministry of Health.”

"These medical facilities are provided with special clothing and equipment. Blood tests taken in health care institutions are sent to our laboratory for testing. Our specialists are working in emergency mode. We carry out all tests that our  laboratory receives in connection with a suspected "swine flu". Thankfully, new cases of the disease have not been reported. We have checked 1,003 people so far,” Gurbanov said.

"Today I see no need to close schools, because there is no threat of "swine flu" in Azerbaijan. Current situation with the virus A/H1N1 in the country is stable " he said.

"Scholars around the world suggests that the number A/H1N1 cases will increase in autumn and winter. There is nothing strange about the winter - a cold season. Frequent cases of many diseases including influenza is not ruled out,” he said.

"Unfortunately, the symptoms of the H1N1 virus A/ have been found in countries that border with Azerbaijan. However, the situation with the "swine flu" in our country is not critical as in other countries. I think that there is no reason for serious concerns on this issue,” Deputy Chief of the  Public Relations Department of the Baku Office of Education Zamina Aligizi said.

“Appropriate preventive measures have been taken in all Baku schools. All schools have health centers, and all students are under medical supervision. In addition, the relevant measures are carried out so that schoolchildren will observe hygiene rules,” she said.

If the Azerbaijan Ministry of Health orders to close schools, we will take action in accordance with this order,” she said.

Seymur Mammadov
/Day.Az/