Swine flu hits Rubavu

Reports from the Ministry of Health have confirmed four new cases of the contagious Influenza A, H1N1 (swine flu) have emerged in the Northern Province since Monday with one individual identified as a resident of Rubavu district. A statement from the Ministry notes that there have not been any severe cases since the internal outbreak was confirmed on October 9. As of yesterday, of the 111 patients who had finished treatment, 108 have fully recovered. “Confirmed cases continue to show mild symptoms and the ministry is doing whatever it takes to curb transmission levels and manage the positive cases,” Dr. Justin Wane, the Head of the Swine Flu response team told The New Times last week. The Ministry of Health, through TRAC Plus, the National Reference Laboratory and other institutions, continue to monitor the situation closely while improving the capacity of emergency preparedness and surveillance. Individuals are also advised to cover their mouths and nose while coughing or sneezing, to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and to seek medical attention if they develop severe symptoms of influenza-like illness. Since its confirmation in the country, positive cases have been isolated and treated with the available Tamiflu doses. There are enough doses in stock for over 14,000 patients. Officials however note that over the weeks, the number of reported cases on a daily basis has dropped, and according to Wane, this is as a result of the numerous sensitization campaigns which aim at behavioural change as regards prevention. Ends