Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
UN agency fights swine flu at food summit with masks, hand wipes and thermometers
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 12, 2009 3:23 p.m.
ROME - World leaders are gathering next week in Rome for a U.N. food summit on fighting global hunger - but they may wish to keep a safe distance from one another to protect themselves from another scourge.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, which is hosting the three-day meeting starting Monday, is distributing hygiene kits to participants to protect them from catching swine flu.
The kit includes masks, disposable thermometers and hand wipes. It also offers advice on how to minimize the risk of contagion, including washing hands often and sneezing into a sleeve or tissue.
Some 60 heads of state are expected at the Rome summit, including Pope Benedict XVI.
FAO chief medical officer Dr. Cedric Dumont said Thursday he doesn't anticipate seeing delegates walking around with masks since those are only meant to be worn by the sick to protect the healthy.
The Rome-based agency will also have a clinic to deal with any health problems, but advises participants sickened by the flu should stay away from the conference.
Italy's Health Ministry estimates there have been nearly 1.5 million cases of the pandemic swine flu strain among a population of 60 million people, and has reported 42 deaths.
http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/live...summit-with-masks-hand-wipes-and-thermometers
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 12, 2009 3:23 p.m.
ROME - World leaders are gathering next week in Rome for a U.N. food summit on fighting global hunger - but they may wish to keep a safe distance from one another to protect themselves from another scourge.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, which is hosting the three-day meeting starting Monday, is distributing hygiene kits to participants to protect them from catching swine flu.
The kit includes masks, disposable thermometers and hand wipes. It also offers advice on how to minimize the risk of contagion, including washing hands often and sneezing into a sleeve or tissue.
Some 60 heads of state are expected at the Rome summit, including Pope Benedict XVI.
FAO chief medical officer Dr. Cedric Dumont said Thursday he doesn't anticipate seeing delegates walking around with masks since those are only meant to be worn by the sick to protect the healthy.
The Rome-based agency will also have a clinic to deal with any health problems, but advises participants sickened by the flu should stay away from the conference.
Italy's Health Ministry estimates there have been nearly 1.5 million cases of the pandemic swine flu strain among a population of 60 million people, and has reported 42 deaths.
http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/live...summit-with-masks-hand-wipes-and-thermometers