HEALTH DEPARTMENT - HIGH ALERT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND CHILD WELFARE

PRESS RELEASE

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA A H1N1

 

Influenza A H1N1 has been reported on Manicaland through the public media over the past week.  The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Manicaland is giving a press release on the situation in the province regarding influenza A H1N1.  Suspected cases were first reported on the 31st July 2009 from Hillcrest Preparatory School in Mutasa district.  Investigations were done on all the suspected cases.  Clinical assessments were done on all cases and they all presented with mild flu like symptoms.  Preliminary screening tests were done at the provincial laboratory using the rapid diagnostic test (rdt).  Three of those residing in Mutare were found to be positive.  Specimens were taken on the 3 positive cases and sent for further confirmatory tests, which gave the same result.  Follow ups were done for 7days on all the affected and suspected cases and their contacts.  After 7 days they had all recovered and no new cases have since been reported.  The situation is currently under control.  Drugs are available at the Provincial Hospital.

 

What is Influenza A H1N1?

 

  • Influenza A H1N1 is a disease that is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system.  The symptoms are generally the same as those of ordinary flu except that they are more severe.  These are as follows:
  • High fever above 38 degrees Celsius
  • Headache, chills and fatigue
  • Cough or sore throat
  • Body aches
  • In some cases vomiting and diarrhea

Complications of the disease include difficulty in breathing and pneumonia.

 

In order to protect yourself from Influenza A H1N1, it is important to:

 

  • Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have a fever and cough.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap/ash under running water especially after coughing and sneezing.  If you sneeze into a cloth, wash it thoroughly and dry it in the sun or iron it.  If you use a tissue, dispose of it properly.
  • Practice good hygiene including adequate sleep and eating nutritious food and keeping physically active.
  • If you feel unwell, visit the nearest health facility and stay at home, keep away from work, school or crowds.  Rest and take plenty of fluids.

School authorities are being advised to notify health authorities in their areas if they notice high absenteeism and suspected cases in their schools.  Meanwhile surveillance activities have been stepped up in all districts.

 

For more information you can contact the PMD on telephone number 020 – 60624, or City Health Department on 020 – 64412 ext 250, DMO Mutare 020 – 65680.

 

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