Egypt to Quarantine Tourist for H1N1 virus if WHO raises level to level 6

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

You all know I am married to a Doctor who is in a family of Doctors in Egypt and most of his friends are Doctors. We all also know about Egypt's over reaction with the slaughter of the pigs there because of the prior issue with the bird flu there. I am getting information now that if the WHO raises to level 6 Egypt will quarantine incoming tourist from countries with cases of the H1N1 virus. Mexico the epicenter for the virus says that the cases are on the decline while the WHO reports cases are steadily rising.

Guys, it's been 2.5 years since I've seen him. I have a none refundable ticket for $1420 USD. If it raises to level 6 what would you do?

by Muhammad Yamany, Chen Gongzheng CAIRO, May 2 (Xinhua) -- In Manshiyet Nasser, a shanty district east of Cairo, sat Aid Labib, a rubbish collector, among piles of used bottles, cans, plastic bags and rotten foods. In the corner, scores of rat-like pigs were combing the garbage to devour anything that is edible.

"They (the pigs) are my own fortune and I really depend on them, I don't know what can I do after slaughtering them all," said Labib in a desperate tone.

"There was a meeting between raisers and some government officials and they agreed on slaughtering all the pigs," he added.

"I'm afraid but this is the way I earn my living, all the pigs are healthy, I don't mind if they want to slaughter them but they have to compensate us," said Labib.

The Egyptian government decided last week to slaughter all pigs in the country immediately in an attempt to avert the outbreak of the fatal influenza A/H1N1, which has hit different parts of the world.

It is estimated that Egypt, about 90 percent of whose population are Muslims, has some 350,000 pigs.

But Dr. Ibrahim El-Bendary, Director of Preventive Medicine and in charge of influenza A/H1N1 in the ministry of agriculture, told Xinhua that Egypt has only about 156,000 pigs in about 1888 farms.

"The slaughter started in Cairo and Alexandria on Thursday," he added.

Egypt's controversial measure came while the World Health Organization (WHO) said that there was no evidence the animals were transmitting the flu to humans.

WHO Director General Margaret Chan also emphasized the safety of eating pork and pork products "if cooked properly."

"There's no reason why people who love to eat pork should stop eating now," she said. "Please continue, with due precautions and cook it well."

Meanwhile, Egyptian officials described the slaughter as a general health measure not only as a precaution.

Analysts say that the Egyptian authorities took the advantage of the disease to get rid of the badly managed rearing pigs.

The pigs mostly are eaten by foreign tourists and some members of Egypt's Coptic Christian minority and are reared by rubbish collectors in Cairo's shanty towns.

"We wake up early in the morning to collect rubbish and what we earn from that is not enough to make living, the only way to improve our income is to raise some pigs," said Gerges Saber, another rubbish collector.

"We not only need compensation but also need the government's help to find other jobs," he added.

Egypt adopts tough measures to avert A/H1N1 flu as it is the most affected country by the deadly bird flu outside Asia and listed number three in the world, after Indonesia and Vietnam, according to WHO.

The Egyptian government has decided to establish an ad hoc committee to follow up the disease. The committee will supervise the production of face masks and carry out training in stock breeding, tourism and transportation sectors to intercept the virus.

Egyptian Health Minster Hatem al-Gabali announced on Thursday that the Egyptian authorities would close the airports and crossings if WHO declared the pandemic alert level to Phase 6.

The WHO on Wednesday raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 5 indicating that a full pandemic is imminent. The WHO's pandemic alert system includes altogether six phases. Phase 6 is the highest level which means a full global pandemic is under way.

"Up till now there aren't suspected cases in Egypt," Hasasn Mohamed, director of Cairo airport quarantine department told Xinhua.

"We check every passenger comes from Mexico, not just the Mexicans. We take their contact details, names, addresses, to follow their health conditions," he added.

Countries around the world are tightening precautionary and preventive measures against the threat of A/H1N1 influenza, as the deadly virus is rapidly spreading across the globe.

Meanwhile, Israeli Health Ministry confirmed on Saturday the third case of A/H1N1 flu, the only Mideast country hit by the disease.

The first two Israelis that have tested positive for the virus since the global outbreak of A/H1N1, were released Friday from hospital upon treatment, Israeli health authorities said.

Earlier on Saturday, WHO said 15 countries have reported 615 infections with A/H1N1 virus.

The confirmed infections in Europe are Britain (13), Spain (13),Germany (4), Austria (1), Denmark (1), France (1), Netherlands (1)and Switzerland (1).

Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak, now has 397 confirmed cases including 16 deaths, according to WHO.

The United States, the second-most affected country, has 141 confirmed cases including one death, said WHO.

Symptoms of A/H1N1 include a fever, coughing, joint aches, severe headache and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

In Egypt, rubbish collectors say slaughtering the pigs would destroy their business and wipe out a crucial source of their slim income. That would be clearer in the days to come.

The government would compensate the owners of the pigs, El-Bendary confirmed, referring that the compensation amounts will be decided on Sunday.

Source

PLEASE LET THIS PASS BEFORE THE NEXT 15 DAYS!!! I REALLY NEED TO SEE MY HUSBAND!!!

[Melly 2 0]

Hi Olivia. From everything I have read, it seems to be leveling out and slowing down. Insha'Allah it will be okay and you will make your flight just fine.

And even if your ticket is non-refundable, if the country isn't letting people in, I would think that the airline would make an exception and would rebook you. Maybe you can call them and ask them about that?

You've been through so much to get to this spot and you're a real trooper! Chin up and keep positive. You'll be re-united with hubby soon.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Will they let people out??? My husband plans to come home in the next week or two.

[*Maureen* 0]

You all know I am married to a Doctor who is in a family of Doctors in Egypt and most of his friends are Doctors. We all also know about Egypt's over reaction with the slaughter of the pigs there because of the prior issue with the bird flu there. I am getting information now that if the WHO raises to level 6 Egypt will quarantine incoming tourist from countries with cases of the H1N1 virus. Mexico the epicenter for the virus says that the cases are on the decline while the WHO reports cases are steadily rising.

Guys, it's been 2.5 years since I've seen him. I have a none refundable ticket for $1420 USD. If it raises to level 6 what would you do?

by Muhammad Yamany, Chen Gongzheng CAIRO, May 2 (Xinhua) -- In Manshiyet Nasser, a shanty district east of Cairo, sat Aid Labib, a rubbish collector, among piles of used bottles, cans, plastic bags and rotten foods. In the corner, scores of rat-like pigs were combing the garbage to devour anything that is edible.

"They (the pigs) are my own fortune and I really depend on them, I don't know what can I do after slaughtering them all," said Labib in a desperate tone.

"There was a meeting between raisers and some government officials and they agreed on slaughtering all the pigs," he added.

"I'm afraid but this is the way I earn my living, all the pigs are healthy, I don't mind if they want to slaughter them but they have to compensate us," said Labib.

The Egyptian government decided last week to slaughter all pigs in the country immediately in an attempt to avert the outbreak of the fatal influenza A/H1N1, which has hit different parts of the world.

It is estimated that Egypt, about 90 percent of whose population are Muslims, has some 350,000 pigs.

But Dr. Ibrahim El-Bendary, Director of Preventive Medicine and in charge of influenza A/H1N1 in the ministry of agriculture, told Xinhua that Egypt has only about 156,000 pigs in about 1888 farms.

"The slaughter started in Cairo and Alexandria on Thursday," he added.

Egypt's controversial measure came while the World Health Organization (WHO) said that there was no evidence the animals were transmitting the flu to humans.

WHO Director General Margaret Chan also emphasized the safety of eating pork and pork products "if cooked properly."

"There's no reason why people who love to eat pork should stop eating now," she said. "Please continue, with due precautions and cook it well."

Meanwhile, Egyptian officials described the slaughter as a general health measure not only as a precaution.

Analysts say that the Egyptian authorities took the advantage of the disease to get rid of the badly managed rearing pigs.

The pigs mostly are eaten by foreign tourists and some members of Egypt's Coptic Christian minority and are reared by rubbish collectors in Cairo's shanty towns.

"We wake up early in the morning to collect rubbish and what we earn from that is not enough to make living, the only way to improve our income is to raise some pigs," said Gerges Saber, another rubbish collector.

"We not only need compensation but also need the government's help to find other jobs," he added.

Egypt adopts tough measures to avert A/H1N1 flu as it is the most affected country by the deadly bird flu outside Asia and listed number three in the world, after Indonesia and Vietnam, according to WHO.

The Egyptian government has decided to establish an ad hoc committee to follow up the disease. The committee will supervise the production of face masks and carry out training in stock breeding, tourism and transportation sectors to intercept the virus.

Egyptian Health Minster Hatem al-Gabali announced on Thursday that the Egyptian authorities would close the airports and crossings if WHO declared the pandemic alert level to Phase 6.

The WHO on Wednesday raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 5 indicating that a full pandemic is imminent. The WHO's pandemic alert system includes altogether six phases. Phase 6 is the highest level which means a full global pandemic is under way.

"Up till now there aren't suspected cases in Egypt," Hasasn Mohamed, director of Cairo airport quarantine department told Xinhua.

"We check every passenger comes from Mexico, not just the Mexicans. We take their contact details, names, addresses, to follow their health conditions," he added.

Countries around the world are tightening precautionary and preventive measures against the threat of A/H1N1 influenza, as the deadly virus is rapidly spreading across the globe.

Meanwhile, Israeli Health Ministry confirmed on Saturday the third case of A/H1N1 flu, the only Mideast country hit by the disease.

The first two Israelis that have tested positive for the virus since the global outbreak of A/H1N1, were released Friday from hospital upon treatment, Israeli health authorities said.

Earlier on Saturday, WHO said 15 countries have reported 615 infections with A/H1N1 virus.

The confirmed infections in Europe are Britain (13), Spain (13),Germany (4), Austria (1), Denmark (1), France (1), Netherlands (1)and Switzerland (1).

Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak, now has 397 confirmed cases including 16 deaths, according to WHO.

The United States, the second-most affected country, has 141 confirmed cases including one death, said WHO.

Symptoms of A/H1N1 include a fever, coughing, joint aches, severe headache and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

In Egypt, rubbish collectors say slaughtering the pigs would destroy their business and wipe out a crucial source of their slim income. That would be clearer in the days to come.

The government would compensate the owners of the pigs, El-Bendary confirmed, referring that the compensation amounts will be decided on Sunday.

Source

PLEASE LET THIS PASS BEFORE THE NEXT 15 DAYS!!! I REALLY NEED TO SEE MY HUSBAND!!!

Gosh, i tell ya, it seems like the roadblocks just keep showing up for you. I sure hope things settle down so you can get out to your husband.

[sassysis 0]

I hope you will be able to go, I will say a prayer for you

[Imua 0]

You all know I am married to a Doctor who is in a family of Doctors in Egypt and most of his friends are Doctors. We all also know about Egypt's over reaction with the slaughter of the pigs there because of the prior issue with the bird flu there. I am getting information now that if the WHO raises to level 6 Egypt will quarantine incoming tourist from countries with cases of the H1N1 virus. Mexico the epicenter for the virus says that the cases are on the decline while the WHO reports cases are steadily rising.

Guys, it's been 2.5 years since I've seen him. I have a none refundable ticket for $1420 USD. If it raises to level 6 what would you do?

by Muhammad Yamany, Chen Gongzheng CAIRO, May 2 (Xinhua) -- In Manshiyet Nasser, a shanty district east of Cairo, sat Aid Labib, a rubbish collector, among piles of used bottles, cans, plastic bags and rotten foods. In the corner, scores of rat-like pigs were combing the garbage to devour anything that is edible.

"They (the pigs) are my own fortune and I really depend on them, I don't know what can I do after slaughtering them all," said Labib in a desperate tone.

"There was a meeting between raisers and some government officials and they agreed on slaughtering all the pigs," he added.

"I'm afraid but this is the way I earn my living, all the pigs are healthy, I don't mind if they want to slaughter them but they have to compensate us," said Labib.

The Egyptian government decided last week to slaughter all pigs in the country immediately in an attempt to avert the outbreak of the fatal influenza A/H1N1, which has hit different parts of the world.

It is estimated that Egypt, about 90 percent of whose population are Muslims, has some 350,000 pigs.

But Dr. Ibrahim El-Bendary, Director of Preventive Medicine and in charge of influenza A/H1N1 in the ministry of agriculture, told Xinhua that Egypt has only about 156,000 pigs in about 1888 farms.

"The slaughter started in Cairo and Alexandria on Thursday," he added.

Egypt's controversial measure came while the World Health Organization (WHO) said that there was no evidence the animals were transmitting the flu to humans.

WHO Director General Margaret Chan also emphasized the safety of eating pork and pork products "if cooked properly."

"There's no reason why people who love to eat pork should stop eating now," she said. "Please continue, with due precautions and cook it well."

Meanwhile, Egyptian officials described the slaughter as a general health measure not only as a precaution.

Analysts say that the Egyptian authorities took the advantage of the disease to get rid of the badly managed rearing pigs.

The pigs mostly are eaten by foreign tourists and some members of Egypt's Coptic Christian minority and are reared by rubbish collectors in Cairo's shanty towns.

"We wake up early in the morning to collect rubbish and what we earn from that is not enough to make living, the only way to improve our income is to raise some pigs," said Gerges Saber, another rubbish collector.

"We not only need compensation but also need the government's help to find other jobs," he added.

Egypt adopts tough measures to avert A/H1N1 flu as it is the most affected country by the deadly bird flu outside Asia and listed number three in the world, after Indonesia and Vietnam, according to WHO.

The Egyptian government has decided to establish an ad hoc committee to follow up the disease. The committee will supervise the production of face masks and carry out training in stock breeding, tourism and transportation sectors to intercept the virus.

Egyptian Health Minster Hatem al-Gabali announced on Thursday that the Egyptian authorities would close the airports and crossings if WHO declared the pandemic alert level to Phase 6.

The WHO on Wednesday raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 5 indicating that a full pandemic is imminent. The WHO's pandemic alert system includes altogether six phases. Phase 6 is the highest level which means a full global pandemic is under way.

"Up till now there aren't suspected cases in Egypt," Hasasn Mohamed, director of Cairo airport quarantine department told Xinhua.

"We check every passenger comes from Mexico, not just the Mexicans. We take their contact details, names, addresses, to follow their health conditions," he added.

Countries around the world are tightening precautionary and preventive measures against the threat of A/H1N1 influenza, as the deadly virus is rapidly spreading across the globe.

Meanwhile, Israeli Health Ministry confirmed on Saturday the third case of A/H1N1 flu, the only Mideast country hit by the disease.

The first two Israelis that have tested positive for the virus since the global outbreak of A/H1N1, were released Friday from hospital upon treatment, Israeli health authorities said.

Earlier on Saturday, WHO said 15 countries have reported 615 infections with A/H1N1 virus.

The confirmed infections in Europe are Britain (13), Spain (13),Germany (4), Austria (1), Denmark (1), France (1), Netherlands (1)and Switzerland (1).

Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak, now has 397 confirmed cases including 16 deaths, according to WHO.

The United States, the second-most affected country, has 141 confirmed cases including one death, said WHO.

Symptoms of A/H1N1 include a fever, coughing, joint aches, severe headache and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

In Egypt, rubbish collectors say slaughtering the pigs would destroy their business and wipe out a crucial source of their slim income. That would be clearer in the days to come.

The government would compensate the owners of the pigs, El-Bendary confirmed, referring that the compensation amounts will be decided on Sunday.

Source

PLEASE LET THIS PASS BEFORE THE NEXT 15 DAYS!!! I REALLY NEED TO SEE MY HUSBAND!!!

I am leaving for Nepal 2 days after you leave for Egypt and am scared too - the largest number of first US cases were in Queens, where I live.... I check the Nepal news sites every day for news about the flu but gov't doesn't seem to be reacting...yet.

[yasser/fatimah 0]

I will be leaving to Egypt right after you insha Allah. I will be praying for you and everyone else that we make it through! Now the anxiety is worse.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

This has been one hell of a rollar coaster ride. It seems like one turn of events after another. Gear me up to let me down. And now ladies and gentleman the H1N1 virus may prevent me from seeing my Husband if WHO declares a level 6 and Egypt reacts. I don't know if I can get in and I don't know if they will let people out if they close all the boarders. I don't know how they can control that when they have to operate the Suez Canal and tourism is their number one revenue for the country.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

30/ 4/ 2009

Egypt's abattoirs started implementing the presidential decree ordering to slaughter the country's pigs in order to avoid the spread of swine flu. Health Minister Hatem el-Gabaly said the abattoirs would work at full swing.

President Mubarak held a meeting yesterday with the ministerial committee concerned with following up on the new virus and ways to ward it off. Later on, Mr. el-Gabaly announced the decree after it had been ascertained no pig was infected.

He also declared that the armed forces factory would step up the production of protective masks to up to 100 million instead of the current 30 million, while the production of Tamiflu would be increased to up to 5 million doses over the next few days.

Speaking to Al-Masry Al-Youm, he also affirmed that airports, ports and gateways would be closed if the alert level were raised to six (i.e. an all-out global pandemic), while procedures would be tightened to control the entry of tourists and foreign visitors through the quarantine authorities.

Agriculture Minister Amin Abaza said the decision to slaughter pigs rather than culling them meant there would be no compensation for farmers.

He then added that the campaign would focus on the farms surrounding Greater Cairo, and that although most world countries had not taken such a radical decision so far, the Egyptian government preferred to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of this virus in the country.

In an exclusive interview to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Abaza said these procedures would provide a good opportunity to move those farms away from urban communities.

Mufid Shehab, the Minister of State for Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, said slaughtered pigs would be stored in refrigerators according to how many they could contain.

Yesterday, the governorates started implementing the decree, as Qalyubia, Menya and Qena slaughtered 157 pigs, while the governorate of Giza said it would target 28,000 pigs over the next few days.

Giza alone hosts 299 barns, while the number of pigs is estimated at around 170,000, with 1,4000 barns in Greater Cairo.

Major General Sayed Abdul Aziz, Governor of Giza, said the police would help ensure the slaughter.

Meanwhile, clashes occurred in el-Zaraib (Qalyubia) between the police that went to slaughter the pigs there and the farmers, as the latter threw bricks and bottles at them and used batons as well.

Clashes also occurred between local residents and members of the police. 50 people were slightly injured.

Worldwide, the US officially announced yesterday the first death from swine bird, a 2-year-old-child, while the number of people infected rose to 65 in six states.

In Mexico, the death toll reached 159 and the authorities announced the closure of pubs and bars in the capital in addition to all tourist attractions in the country.

Meanwhile, 19 countries have announced cases of swine flu inside their borders, and in seven of these countries cases have been confirmed.

Source

Latest from WHO on H1N1:

<h1 class="storyPage"></h1>

Influenza A (H1N1) - update 14

4 May 2009 -- As of 18:00 GMT, 4 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1085 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (101), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

Source

[Zee Bee 61]

I don't think that WHO is going to raise the threat level. It looks like the cases are tapering off.

Plus, WHO says there is no need for travel restrictions.

[100% Al Ahly Fan 53]

You all know I am married to a Doctor who is in a family of Doctors in Egypt and most of his friends are Doctors. We all also know about Egypt's over reaction with the slaughter of the pigs there because of the prior issue with the bird flu there. I am getting information now that if the WHO raises to level 6 Egypt will quarantine incoming tourist from countries with cases of the H1N1 virus. Mexico the epicenter for the virus says that the cases are on the decline while the WHO reports cases are steadily rising.

Guys, it's been 2.5 years since I've seen him. I have a none refundable ticket for $1420 USD. If it raises to level 6 what would you do?

PLEASE LET THIS PASS BEFORE THE NEXT 15 DAYS!!! I REALLY NEED TO SEE MY HUSBAND!!!

Yalla ya bint!!!! You go get your man!!!! Two years? How did you do it? Not that you will need to cancel...no no no, BUT if you have to, you can cancel and they will hold the money/ticket as a voucher minus the cancelation fee which is around two hundreds dollars. I was supposed to got Misr, last November, but had to cancel a week before my trip. It was a non-refundable ticket. Anyhow, inshaAllah a few more days and you will be in your husbands arms!!

Hi Olivia. From everything I have read, it seems to be leveling out and slowing down. Insha'Allah it will be okay and you will make your flight just fine.

And even if your ticket is non-refundable, if the country isn't letting people in, I would think that the airline would make an exception and would rebook you. Maybe you can call them and ask them about that?

You've been through so much to get to this spot and you're a real trooper! Chin up and keep positive. You'll be re-united with hubby soon.

I responded before even reading this post. Yes, I am positive they would rebook at no charge even. InshaAllah it will all go smoothy

[inGODShands 0]

I'm scared too. I'm traveling to be with my fiance in Egypt in exactly 10 days. I'm REALLY excited to be with him again! I, too, already bought a ticket. I'm just terrified to travel under these global health conditions that we're currently experiencing. I don't know what to expect at the airports. Good luck to those of you flying out to see your loved ones. May the good Lord guide us & protect us all on our trips. Edited May 6, 2009 by inGODShands

[Imua 0]

Cheer up - at this point I am not only dealing with the killer flu, I am also dealing with a sudden chaotic political situation in Nepal - knowing the gov't they will declare shoot on sight curfews soon and we will be stuck in my inlaws' apartment if I am able to go. I may have to cancel my trip and Govi will just have to come here by himself and yeah i have a nonrefundable ticket too, 1400$ down the drain...- yes we will be together but damn I was looking forward to spending time with him in Nepal again - our situation isn't going to be exactly comfy or private when he first gets here and wanted a nice reunion.. and I just miss Nepal.... when he comes here I don't know who will be missing it more...

Edited May 6, 2009 by Pattu Rani

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Patti I found out what the airlines mean by non-refundable is they will charge you a $200 cancellation fee and give the rest back as credit for up to one year on your ticket. So it's not a complete $1400 loss! Maybe it could pay for Govi's ticket here?

Edited May 6, 2009 by ~Flower~