The first case of A (H1N1) influenza was confirmed in a 24-year-old Moldovan woman who has recently returned from abroad. She is now in the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases “Toma Ciorbă” in Chisinau. Her condition is satisfactory, Info-Prim Neo reports. Samples have been sent to the WHO laboratory in London for confirmation, but the Moldovan doctors are sure about the diagnosis. This is the first case of the 23 suspected cases confirmed in Moldova. “We expected such a development. We should not get into a panic. Yet, this case must not be neglected,” Deputy Minister of Health Oleg Lozan told a news conference on July 30. The 25 persons that have been in contact with the woman are supervised by doctors. They show no symptoms of the disease yet, Oleg Lozan said. The deputy minister also said that the danger of infection is still high and that the spread of the H1N1 virus can be stopped or reduced if the population has a correct behavior. Oleg Benes, director of the National Scientific-Practical Center of Preventive Medicine, recommends observing the personal hygiene rules, especially washing the hands, avoiding overcrowded places and the zones affected by the virus. If the flue symptoms persist, the family doctor should be called at home as the infected person is isolated. “The people should behave prudently and respectfully towards each other. If the diagnosis is made duly, the consequences of the diseases are maximally reduced,” Oleg Benes said. According to the Ministry of Health, the persons suffering from cardiovascular and repository diseases, the pregnant women and the obese persons are the most vulnerable to the virus. Late in September, the World Health Organization will start distributing vaccines against pandemic flu. In Moldova, shots will be given to the abovementioned groups of persons and to medical personnel, children, teachers, border guards, customs officers and the police. The 175,785 cases of A (H1N1) flu reported worldwide resulted in 1,116 deaths. Doctors say the A (H1N1) flu death rate is higher than the seasonal flu mortality rate. A light case is treated in five days, while a more serious case in ten days on average. Most of the cases of pandemic flu are light and pass unobserved. Hospitalization is needed in only 6-7% cases.