The Diyarbakır Governor's Office announced in a written statement on Monday that seven people, including five students, had been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu -- popularly known as swine flu -- at Hantepe Eğitim Şehitleri Primary School, Huzurevleri Primary School, Süleyman Nazif Primary School and Diclekent Primary School. “For this reason, these four schools have been closed for a week. All necessary measures have been taken regarding the swine flu cases. Those infected are doing well,” read the statement. The outbreak in Diyarbakır followed another at an Ankara school, where five swine flu cases were reported on Wednesday. An inquiry conducted following Wednesday's outbreak among elementary school students attending the Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS) has shown that the number of swine flu cases has increased to 41 within five days, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday. Those infected were reportedly in good health. The ministry also said that 551 confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in Turkey so far.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man was also diagnosed with swine flu in the eastern province of Erzurum on Sunday. Erzurum Provincial Health Director Serhat Vançelik announced that M.A., who came back to the city five days ago after a trip to the Czech Republic, had been found to be carrying the virus.
The Health Ministry warned the public to be cautious about the symptoms of swine flu to prevent the spread of the virus. In a statement released yesterday, the ministry called on parents not to send students who display symptoms of swine flu (high fever, coughing, rhinitis and diarrhea) to school until they recover. Stating that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is by frequent hand washing, the ministry recommended covering the face when coughing and sneezing, avoiding greeting people with handshakes and kisses and frequently ventilating closed areas.
