MOH has announced two more swine flue deaths in Al-Qaseem and Aseer. The first victim, a 32 years old Saudi nurse who has transferred from Taif to work in Al-Qaseem 3 weeks ago, has developed the symptoms of the disease on Friday July 24, 2009. He was admitted to Nifi hospital in Riyadh province, where he remained for the period from July 26, 2009 to July 23, 2009 to be released under his responsibility. He then contacted a private hospital in Al-Qaseem on Wednesday July 29, 2009, where the case has been diagnosed as a severe pulmonary inflammation. He was transferred to Al-Ras hospital to be introduced there to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but his case worsened till he died on Friday July 31, 2009.
The second case has been recorded in Al-Namas for a 25 year old Saudi youth who has been admitted to Al-Nammas hospital on Friday July 24, 2009 complaining from throat inflammation and chest pains resulting from excessive smoking. His case worsened steadily till he died on Friday July 31, 2009.
It must be reaffirmed here that occurrence of such death cases is predictable taken into consideration the swift spreading of the disease throughout the world. The fatalitty rate from the current swine flue epidemic is still low compared to the mortality occurring from the normal flue virus. MOH extends its sincere condolences to the family of the victims, may their soul rest in peace.
The media will be provided with all information regarding the developments of the epidemic in the Kingdom and the whole public is urged to abide by the announcements issued by MOH.
A free toll phone number (8002494444) has been allotted for answering the queries relative to the epidemic and providing the public with the precautions taken by MOH fro controlling it. The Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Rabeeah is to hold an important press conference today Saturday August 1, 2009 at his office for briefing the media on the latest developments of the epidemic in the Kingdom.