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Mutated flu virus in Iran continues to kill people

Society Materials 8 December 2015 10:20 (UTC +04:00)
A new type of flu virus that has been rapidly spreading across Iran, continuously claiming human lives.
Mutated flu virus in Iran continues to kill people

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 8

By Farhad Daneshvar - Trend:

A new type of flu virus that has been rapidly spreading across Iran, continuously claiming human lives.

At least 30 people have died after contracting the virus, while 600 people have been hospitalized.

Iranian physician Ali Shekofteh told Trend that the mutated virus has emerged due to small changes in the genes of influenza viruses that happen continually over time. He added that flu viruses usually change and mutate on a constant basis.

Shekofteh dismissed the idea that the virus came to Iran from the neighboring countries.

He said that sometimes the mentioned mutations occur when virus is transmitted to people from animals, and the consequences could be deadly.

Shekofteh explained that the virus that is currently spreading in Iran, can cause heart and lung diseases, which mostly transmit by direct contact with infected individuals.

He added that sometimes a person's body immune system can't recognize the flu virus from year to year, as the virus constantly mutates, soon its progression can become fatal for those with weak immune systems and immunodeficiency disorders.

Shekofteh also criticized some doctors in Iran who may have given wrong prescriptions to patients infected with the flu virus, conducted misdiagnosis, thus driving the number of fatal casualties up.

Another factor directly affecting the proper treatment of the flu virus in Iran is lack of proper insurance system in the country as well as financial shortcomings of some patients, who refrain from an expensive doctor visit.

Shekofteh agrees that the above mentioned factors prevent proper care for flu-affected patients, as the sickness intensifies and eventually leads to multiple organ failure.

Previously, Iran's health minister, Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi said the virus is spreading in Iran's south-eastern regions.

According to Trend's information, at least one person in Iran's north-western province of Ardabil has also been affected by the spreading virus.

Meanwhile, the vice-rector of the Kerman Medical University Nozar Nakhaei had said that the H1N1 infection cases in Iran are expected to increase this year.

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