The Ministry of Health has announced two more swine flu deaths. The first victim, a 30 years old Saudi male, has been admitted to a hospital in Riyadh since March 2006 following a traffic accident that resulted in severe brain damage and deformation of upper and lower limbs. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on 16/08/1430, but his case worsened further till he died on 17/08/1430. The second case, a 48 years old Saudi male suffering from diabetes and heart disease, has been admitted to a hospital in Abha on 14/08/1430, but his case worsened gradually till he died on 19/08/1430, may their souls rest in peace.
The cases raise the total H1N1 death toll to 11, but according to MOH, though the epidemic is spreading fast as detected by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control, its severity is still moderate. Its mortality rate in the Kingdom is still within the international level.
MOH has urged all citizens and residents to abide by the announced precautionary measures recommended by specialized committees in line with the directives of the World Health Organization. Care must be taken in crowded and closed areas and masks used in highly crowded areas. Hands must be washed thoroughly by water and soap and both the nose and mouth covered during coughing or sneezing. According to the relative MOH statement, people with swine flu symptoms are advised to stay in home. They have to consult the nearest medical facility in case of steady rising of body temperature for more than 3 days, bloody sputum, or chest pain.