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Compiled by Messenger Staff
Friday, November 26
H1N1 Detected in Georgia

The first case of H1N1 has been detected in Georgia. A female, 26, has been infected with the virus. Paata Imnadze, Head of the National Center for Disease Control and Healthcare, said that the case is of a local character and the patient’s condition remains stabile. He states that flu season has started and many cases will be flu virus-related, 24 Hours reports.

Imnadze advises the population to visit local policlinics without hesitation in the event that grippe symptoms are detected and receive relevant treatment under doctor’s supervision. Moreover, Imnadze doesn’t expect an increase in the flu outbreak in Georgia.

Last year over 1800 laboratory-confirmed instances of H1N1 were detected and 33 died while about 400-500 overcame the flu symptoms.

The Georgian Minister of Health and Social Care, Sandro Urushadze has commented on the H1N1 flu case registered for the first time this season. Urushadze rules out the threat of a pandemic and asserts that there is no need to draft a new state strategy on how to fight the virus.

The Minister has also said that the country has sufficient reserves of medicines against the H1N1 flu and calls upon the patient to see doctors when they discover symptoms of the virus.

Doctors have confirmed after laboratory analysis that a 26-year old woman was infected with H1N1. Her health state is stable at the moment; the patient is under the observation of doctors.



Number of MPs for next parliament may increase

Akhali Taoba reports that for the next parliament in 2012, the number of MPs may increase. A serious discussion is underway among officials. According to the released information, 100 MPs from the Majoritarian list and 100 MPs from a proportional list will sit in the next parliament.

Previously there were 235 MPs in the parliament, but as a result of referendum held in 2003, the number of MPs decreased to 150 persons. Apart from this, information was released that the election barrier will increase for the next elections. According to current legislation, political blocks and parties have an equal barrier for parliamentary as well as local elections.