WHO: Avian Influenza Precautions will Suffice

Written by Administrator

Thursday, 12 January 2006

Turkey managed to take precautions in a "timely and properly," manner, it was said in a statement from The World Health Organization (WHO). The current situation is not bad enough to cause panic, according to the organization, adding that tourists should feel perfectly safe traveling to Turkey. The WHO Regional Director for Europe, Marc Danzon, had a joint news conference with Recep Akdag, Turkish Minister of Health. This meeting attracted foreign press members as well. It was partly meant to inform the media about the efforts of WHO specialists. Turkey has adopted a very transparent, observable and open approach in dealing with bird flu cases, said Danzon. Adaptation of such an approach is expediting the WHO's work indeed, he added. The crisis center is doing perfectly well what it should do, Danzon said, getting involved in the situation actively to improve it. He thanked the Minister of Health for mobilizing all its sources in fighting against the avian influenza, or the bird flu in other words. There is a very good system of treatment working for patients and there is a good observation of new cases of bird flu, but informing the public about how to beat bird flu is crucial. The worst thing would be a rush into a state of panic, as a senseless panic will have results difficult to manage, said Danzon. Presenting himself as well as other international health experts as the primary example of those who feared traveling to Turkey into believers that there should not be any restrictions on traveling to the country Asked by the foreign media members to speak about the travel restrictions, Danzon blamed the media for causing fear and anxiety among foreigners who want to travel to Turkey. There have not been any cases of bird flu strain so far spreading by people touching each other, said Danzon, and added that the WHO is under strict obligation to disclose any cases of bird flu virus spreading among people. If the influenza succeeds in becoming a contagious disease (a contagious disease spread by ” person to person contact”), then it becomes an obvious sign of a worldwide bird flu epidemic. Asked whether Turkey was late and neglectful in interfering with the disease, the director gave a blunt respond that the timely measures have been fulfilled properly. Danzon also linked his visit to Turkey to his reliance on Turkish officials in overcoming the bird flu panic.

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