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Avian Influenza: The looming Pandemic
2005-11-22
A lecture entitled “Avian Influenza: The looming Pandemic” was given in SGH Madinah by Dr. Mostafa El- Hefnawy, Lab Specialist & Infection Control Officer.
The Lecture included definition of Avian Influenza, responsible virus and its different stains.
It’s explained the phenomena by which the virus changes its genetic information with production of new subtypes unrecognizable by the human immune system leading to sever pandemics.
It’s cited Influenza pandemics in the 20th century where 3 waves affected the world; the first was in 1918 – 1919 which killed about 50 million people world wide.
The lecture also explained the mode of transmission of the virus from wild birds to domestic birds then from the later to humans.
It emphasized the role of domestic pig as a mixing vessel for different influenza virus strains where genetic raessortment leads to production of new highly pathogenic strains.
The lecture talked about the current H5N1 virus pandemic in South- East Asia and its spread to nearly European countries, the alerts given by international concerned health organizations.
The preventive and control programs and contingency plans to be applied whenever the avian influenza turns into a pandemic preventive measure were discussed at national level, health care facility wise and at individual level and how to protect consumer safety.
The lecture was attended by more than 100 attendees including doctors from all Madinah hospitals, poly clinic as well as SGH doctors and was followed by a fruitful discussion.
These lectures and programs done by SGH group in the service of Al- Madinah Al- Monawarah because the goal of the group is: “Continuous learning is the responsibility of all.
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