Lebanese Baby Diagnosed with Swine Flu

A Lebanese toddler was diagnosed with swine flu at the state hospital in the southern city of Sidon, the state-run National New Agency reported on Wednesday.

The hospital's management confirmed that the 18-month-old girl was suffering from the H1N1 virus, saying she is receiving the appropriate treatment under the supervision of the health ministry.

The child, who hails from the northern district of Akkar, was first admitted to Notre Dame De Secours Hospital in Jbeil on Monday after suffering from severe flu-like symptoms, said NNA.

She was later taken to a private hospital in Sidon and was transferred to the state hospital, the agency added.

A major outbreak of the H1N1 virus sparked a World Health Organization pandemic alert in June 2009, after it emerged from Mexico and the United States.

The outbreak killed around 18,500 people in 214 countries. The alert was lifted in August 2010.

G.K.

M.T.