Jordan’s Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Sheyyab, said in statement that the number of people infected with H1N1 (commonly known as Swine Flu) is fluctuating and death cases are to be expected.

The statement was made during a meeting with the Minister and the Health and Environment Committee on Monday, to discuss the Swine Flu phenomenon following recent outbreaks in the southern parts of Jordan.

Al-Sheyyab asserted that the Ministry of Health has been provided with the necessary medicines and vaccinations to tackle the virus.

Al-Sheyyab said the Ministry annually records multiple flu cases throughout the Kingdom, pointing out the different flu patterns circling around the world and in the region during the Winter season.

According to the Minister, the Seasonal Flu, an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, does not affect the general health and safety of the people.

He also explained that the case in Al Jafr, in which a lady passed away and her 4 children were affected with the virus earlier this week, was probably caused by socializing and traditions.

However, the Minister said that "people should know that seasonal flu might also cause death so it should not come as a surprise."

The Ministry of Health sent a specialized medical team to Al Jafr to evaluate the situation and provide help and advice to the people of the area.

Responding to parents' objections towards sending their children to school, in fear of their children getting infected by the virus, Al-Sheyyab insisted that he would not be closing down schools in Al Jafr and encouraged only those with symptoms to stay at home.