While swine flu continues slow global march, SA still at risk

While no cases of the swine flu strain A (H1N1) have been reported in South Africa, internationally the virus continues to be detected in one to two new countries daily. The World Health Organisation (WHO) last week warned that a mild outbreak in wealthier countries could be "quite severe in its impact in the developing world", and has cautioned southern hemisphere countries including South Africa, New Zealand and Australia to be on high alert of a swine flu outbreak as winter approaches.   

Those with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or TB are at much greater risk of hospitalisation or death. As we move into winter, swine flu is especially a threat to many of our population already living with HIV/AIDS and TB.

This week the WHO approved and listed Cipla's Oseltamivir on its Prequalified Products * list.  Cipla's Oseltamivir, which was launched in South Africa as Cipla-Oseltamivir three weeks ago, is the only medicine currently listed on the WHO's Prequalified influenza products list. Oseltamivir is recommended by the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO for the prevention and treatment of swine flu.

"Internationally, medical experts are exercising caution and urging people not to become complacent to the risk, because the virus is still spreading and its future potential as a pandemic is not yet known.  We would certainly urge people to be mindful of the disease should it appear in South Africa or should they be travelling overseas, and to consult their doctors should they experience any flu-like symptoms, " says  Cipla Medpro CEO Jerome Smith. "We have ensured sufficient stock levels to meet the anticipated increased demand for Cipla-Oseltamivir during winter. Also, like many other companies, we have set aside sufficient supplies of Cipla-Oseltamivir for our staff and their families and urge other businesses to do the same.