Lithuanian pharmacies cleared of anti-viral drugs amid swine flu panic

As the Lietuvos Rytas daily writes stocks of anti-viral drugs costing more than 100 litas (EUR 29) have been swept out of Vilnius pharmacies, although the medication is only sold on prescription. Pharmaceutical companies believe this is due to the threat of swine influenza pandemic.

Staff of pharmacies said that the need for anti-viral drugs went up following reports about the new-structure flu virus discovered in Mexico.

According to the daily, among buyers of the anti-viral medication were persons whose families live in the United States, with plans to mail them by post or hand over in some other way.

GlaxoSmithKline Lietuva CEO Kestutis Cereska said the stock of Relenza medication was formed this year in accordance to the 2008 need, adding that it would suffice for 2,000 patients.

Rasa Jonusiene, CEO of the company Roche that manufactures Tamiflu, said that no applications had been received from state institutions for additional purchase of the medication. The current stock would be sufficient for treating just over 2,500 patients in Lithuania.

Meanwhile, the Extreme Situations Management Centre is now monitoring the global situation and issued a list of precautionary measures against the swine influenza.

Later this week, persons coming to Lithuania will be offered to fill out health declarations. Travellers running a fever or feeling bad will be directed to medical services at international airports.

The Kaunas Zoo will close up Vietnamese pigs and peccaries that belong to the same type of animals.

Staff of the zoo will be provided with special clothing and footwear to be worn in the premises of these animals. The outfits will be disinfected after every visit.

Souirce BNS and Lietuvos Rytas