LOC19:09
16:09 GMT
KUWAIT, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Health Ministry announced, Saturday, its
readiness to handle any appearance of the bird flu visrus, avian flu H7N9,
after the death of dozens of people in China.
The Ministry's statement noted that the National Health and Family Planning
Commission (NHFPC) of China notified World Health Organization (WHO) of nine
additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza
A(H7N9) virus.
The total laboratory-confirmed cases in China have reached 360, including
67 deaths. Nonetheless, WHO has not confirmed human to human transmission of
the virus; hence, it has not recommended taking any precautionary procedures
at exit points nor it banned travelling to China for trade or leisure.
However, Kuwait's Health Ministry said in its statement that health
departments at ports and land borders are fully ready to deal with this virus
once WHO advises to monitor travelers.
Hospitals and health centers across the country were also notified to
follow the recommended procedures regarding this deadly disease. (end)
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KUNA 221909 Feb 14NNNN