Dammam, August 08: With the third death due to swine flu in the Eastern Province announced by the Ministry of Health on Thursday, residents here are now worried about the spread of the disease, despite reassurances from the ministry that the situation is under control.
Most people here have expressed their concern over the incorrect diagnosis of the Indonesian housemaid which resulted in her death from swine flu.
Dammam is prone to seasonal flu outbreaks and the severe sandstorm that hit the region recently triggered respiratory diseases and flu-like symptoms in many.
People are now worried and wondering if they have a common cold or swine flu.
Ayesha Rahman, mother of two girls aged 6 and 10, said that her younger daughter had a high temperature last week and she was concerned that it might be swine flu.
“My daughter, Reem had a high temperature last Tuesday, and deep in my mind, I was worried whether it had something to do with swine flu.
Luckily, she is completely cured now after having a shot of antibiotics and her doctor said that her high temperature was due to a severe throat infection,” Rahman said.
Tomin George, an Indian national, who is allergic to dust, said that he had breathing problems during the weekend and was constantly sneezing which made him worried. “I was sneezing and although I knew that it was related to the sandstorm, I went to the doctor to confirm that I did not have any flu symptoms, just to be on the safe side,” he said.
However, Abu Mohammed, a Saudi national, remains confident about the safety measures taken by the authorities to combat the pandemic, and he said that he keeps thoroughly informed about the spread of the disease. “I browse the Internet and keep myself and those around me well informed, and I am aware that the death rate related to swine flu is still low compared to death associated with other types of influenza. Hence, no worries there,” he said.
“I just want the private hospitals to be more prompt in admitting flu cases and to treat all flu cases with suspicion rather than sending the patient off with regular flu medications. It would boost the confidence of the public to know that the authorities are being vigilant in the face of the pandemic,” the Saudi national added.
–Agencies–