The Bulgarian Health Ministry has confirmed that the country has officially joined the list of countries affected by the swine flu pandemic. The virus was discovered on a Bulgarian citizen who flew from New York, via Amsterdam, and arrived at Sofia International Airport on May 27 2009.
The person developed respiratory problems, cough and high fever - symptoms of the H1N1 strain on May 29. The following day the man called his personal GP.
Subsequently, the doctor informed the epidemic department of the regional inspectorate. Following the signal, the man has been hospitalised and isolated. Reportedly, he is in a stable condition.
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans.
Bulgaria’s Health Ministry would be outlining preventative measures against influenza and respiratory diseases and was ready to take emergency measures if there was an outbreak of swine flu, local media reports quoted health authorities as saying.
Dr Angel Kunchev, head of the Health Ministry’s infectious diseases control unit also said that the ministry would be provide information on preventative measures and treatment, as reported earlier by the Sofia Echo.