A leaked audio recording from inside Rizk Hospital warned of the return of the #Corona virus, and of recording new infections, after a temporary absence of the virus. This recording was not supposed to be released from inside the hospital campus, and it is no longer important to search for how it was leaked, as the incident happened, and the most important thing is to know the reality of the epidemiological situation in Lebanon.

In follow-up to the news from other countries, it seems clear that the corona counter is on the rise, and new variants of the #Omicron variant have been detected in more than 51 countries. However, the positive and comforting point is that the infections are mild to moderate, and the death rates are low, which means that the virus is no longer as dangerous as it was at the beginning of the pandemic, and the fear of complications from the virus has diminished.

The new variant, EG.5, or as it is informally called “Iris”, a version of the Omicron variant, has been classified by the World Health Organization as a variant of interest.

It has become known that the emergence of new variants is not surprising or unexpected. So what do we need to know about this mutant? Are new measures being taken?

Professor Jacques Mokhbat, a specialist in bacterial and infectious diseases, explains to An-Nahar that “the leaked recording is a recording sent to the nursing and medical staff at Rizk Hospital, to warn of an increase in the numbers of coronavirus in society and the hospital. Therefore, it is our duty to warn and increase prevention to avoid transmission. We did not This recording was not supposed to be leaked, and the hospital has no right to send any medical information, and any health declaration is supposed to be issued by the Ministry of Health.”

However, is that true? Mukhbat answers in the affirmative, adding, “We are witnessing increasing infections. Despite this, the recorded numbers are still expected as a result of travel and great mixing at weddings, evening parties and festivals… which explains the increase in positive cases of the virus.”

So, is this the new mutant? Mukhbat confirms that “all Corona mutants are subject to a detailed scientific study in universities to know their types and characteristics. It is expected that we will know this week whether the new mutated “Iris”, which appeared in Europe, is present in Lebanon.

What are the symptoms of the new mutant?

Mukhbat points out that “the disease symptoms are much lighter than they were in the past, taking into consideration the person’s medical condition mainly. If the person is in good health, the symptoms appear on him in a mild form, such as:

Runny nose, runny nose and sore throat

* Tired

* the heat

Symptoms are in the upper respiratory tract, not in the lungs.

However, a small percentage of people will suffer from respiratory symptoms, and they are mostly elderly, or they will suffer from immunodeficiency or other health problems. And even these people do not exceed the recovery period of 3 days. Consequently, we do not notice serious and severe deaths or injuries, as was the case in previous waves.

Accordingly, Mukhbat is not afraid of the current situation, but it is necessary to warn people of the increasing infections, and of mixing a lot and kissing.

How long is the isolation?

The mukhbat of the person infected with the virus recommends isolating himself for a period of 5 days, according to each case and its symptoms, and not leaving the house before 24 hours have passed without the appearance of symptoms.

Until now, there are no medical recommendations to take any additional measures, nor has the Ministry of Health issued any new recommendations about the new variant.

For his part, Minister of Health Firas Al-Abyadh confirmed, after his meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, that “there is an increase in the number of injuries, and this matter we usually witness in the summer season. The Ministry of Health monitors cases in and outside hospitals. Currently, the numbers we have indicate that there is an increase in infections.” However, the situation in hospitals is under control, and there are very few cases that need intensive care.”

Al-Abyadh stressed the importance of prevention, advising “patients who suffer from concomitant diseases, and who are most susceptible to infection, to take the vaccine to protect themselves,” in addition to the necessity to avoid “those who have symptoms of contact,” advising “all those who have immunity problems to use personal protective equipment.” such as the muzzle and others. The Ministry of Health will inform the citizens of any new information on this matter.

2023-08-23 10:01:00

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