Number of swine flu infections in Lebanon hits 20

20 June, 2009

BEIRUT: The number of diagnosed cases in Lebanon of the A(H1N1) virus, otherwise known as swine flu, has risen to 20 and will likely increase further, the Health Ministry said on Friday.

Those diagnosed with the virus include four students returning from the US, two travelers from Canada, including one child, and one person traveling from Australia, a statement by the ministry said.

The first three cases of swine flu in Lebanon were discovered on June 1. So far, there has been no local transmission of the virus and all diagnosed cases have been brought into Lebanon by travelers, the statement said.

The number of swine flu patients in Lebanon will probably increase as tourists and expatriate Lebanese arrive for the summer holidays, the ministry's statement said. "We remind the county's health sector of the need to abide by the Health Ministry's instructions," it added.

Lebanon imposed a ban on pork imports in late April hoping to thwart the virus. Beirut followed up move by creating a cross-ministry, national emergency committee to combat a potential national flu pandemic. Authorities also issued a request that the Lebanese refrain from greeting their friends and family with the traditional three kisses on the cheek to reduce the likelihood of transmission. "If you visit someone, don't exchange kisses. Let's stop the social kissing habit," Health Minister Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh said at the time.

A(H1N1), has killed 167 people and infected over 40,000 since the epidemic first broke out in late March this year, according to the World Health Organization. At least 11 people have been diagnosed with swine flu in neighboring Israel.