First Cypriot Female displaying H1N1 flu symptoms

A female student, who arrived from Edinburgh this week, is under observation at Limassol General Hospital after displaying flu symptoms which prompted hospital authorities to admit her to a special ward for treating suspected cases of H1N1 flu.

Health Minister Christos Patsalides told CNΑ here Thursday that the initial laboratory results are negative; however he said he is expecting the results of the final tests. “As soon as we have that, we will act accordingly”, the Minister added.

A Health Ministry statement issued on Wednesday evening said that a student of Edinburgh University went to the Accident and Emergency Department of Nicosia General Hospital on Wednesday with flu symptoms. After being examined, it was deemed advisable to admit the particular case to the special ward set up at Limassol General Hospital where the patient is receiving the appropriate treatment.

Chrystalla Hadzianastasiou, who is in charge of the Health Ministry’s special committee handling the H1N1 flu, said final results will be ready within 48 hours.

Health Minister Patsalides told reporters that all health departments are on standby and ready to face any case, adding there was no need for panic.