Russia warns media against spreading panic over swine flu

Russian Health Minister Tatyana Golikova today warned the media against spreading panic over swine flu and seasonal flu outbreak in the country, saying the situation was under control.

Ms Golikova said in an interview to the government-controlled daily newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta published today that the number of people suffering from flu and respiratory illness in the country was not so far exceeding figures for the past two years.

''The data we have been receiving shows that the A/H1N1 virus mortality has not exceeded seasonal flu mortality rates. Medics have been taking extensive preventive measures,'' Ms Golikova said.

Despite this, shop assistants and pedestrians wearing medical face-masks have become a common sight in Moscow and other Russian cities.

A total 15 people have died of swine flu and 3,122 other cases have been confirmed as the A/H1N1 virus as of November 3. However, Ms Golikova acknowledged that the problem was serious, but said there was no reason to panic.

''The problem is serious, but the way it is addressed in the media has fueled ungrounded fears among people. I want to appeal to people and journalists - do not spread panic, there are no grounds for it,'' she said.

Ms Golikova also said medical authorities were paying particular attention to risk groups.

''We are keeping special track of the situation in risk groups - children and pregnant women,'' she said, adding the Health Ministry would inform the public weekly of the latest figures and developments.

The panic has caused a shortage of medical masks and antiviral medicines in clinics and retail drug stores.

Authorities in big cities across Russia have prolonged the autumn holidays in schools.

Ms Golikova said the Ministry had stepped up control of drug stores' supplies and prices.

She also confirmed that mass swine flu vaccinations in Russia would begin on November 9, not in December as was earlier planned.

-- (UNI) -- 06DF3.xml

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