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THE kingdom is ready for whatever swine flu throws at it, whether that be 100 cases a day or 1,000.
That is the word from Dr Muna Al Mosawi, chief of the disease control section and acting director of public health, who told GulfWeekly that despite the number of new cases being on the rise Bahrain is well prepared for what is to come.
There have been five deaths in the region since the flu battle began, one in Qatar and four in Saudi and, though so far Bahrain's cases have not been serious, the Ministry of Health is expecting an increase in infections by the end of summer as vacation season comes to an end and people return to the island from their holidays.
A total of 22 tests were carried out by the Ministry of Health earlier this week of which 11 were taken into quarantine at the Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Community Health Centre in Zinj.
The number of patients currently being treated at the centre is 18 bringing positive cases identified on the island since May to 123.
The Philippines School has also closed down only to reopen its doors August 16 after five victims were linked to the school.
Dr Muna said: "Actually we are expecting an increase of swine flu victims by the end of summer because a lot of people will be returning from their vacation.
"Some of the current cases are from being in contact with a private school and we have screened these contacts and the school has closed for now.
"We are expecting more as right now there are still a lot of people coming in and out of Bahrain especially from Umrah.
"With summer vacation coming to a close we expect more cases to increase by September because everyone will be arriving from vacation.
"We are preparing ourselves for a lot of admissions into the isolation ward. It's not something new for us as it is part of our plan of action. So we know what we will do when the time comes, how we will isolate them be it if there are 100 cases a day or a 1,000 it is in our plan.
"Only in the second week of September will we know if other schools will need to close and that is depending on the increase in patients.
"As for now, the number of cases is under control. The Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Community Health Centre is enough for now. We can't say how many beds are being occupied as it depends whether it's a suspected or confirmed case. It is difficult to say now but we will open more rooms if we have more cases."
Other authorities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) are continuously posting methods and guidelines of how to fight the H1N1 virus in order to secure the safety of individuals and communities globally.
Dr Muna said: "For now my advice to staying healthy is general. Remember this is part of the flu gene and even seasonal flu needs precautions. Exercise good hygiene by washing your hands and covering your mouth if coughing or sneezing. Also try to avoid travelling to certain locations that are high risk."
According to the WHO, the main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing.
To prevent getting infected avoid close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms, avoid touching your mouth and nose, if you feel unwell stay away from work or school, rest and take plenty of fluids and practise good hygiene at all times.
